July 24, 2019
BY Matt Thompson
Federal financial help for developing new agricultural export markets was announced last week. The USDA announced awards of $100 million to 48 organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP). The U.S. Grains Council was one of the recipients, receiving over $6.8 million.
According to USDA, ATP is a program designed to help agricultural producers cope with the ongoing trade war and retaliatory tariffs.
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“China and other nations haven’t played by the rules for a long time and President [Donald] Trump is standing up to them, sending a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate their unfair trade practices,” USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said in a release. “At USDA, we are always looking to expand existing markets or open new ones and this infusion of money will do just that. American farmers are so productive that we need to continue to expand our markets wherever we can to sell the bounty of the American harvest.”
This round of funding follows the allocation of $200 million in January of this year. The 48 organizations receiving funds in July are among those who also applied for funds in January. “As part of a new round of support for farmers impacted by unjustified retaliation and trade disruption, those groups had the opportunity to be considered for additional support for their work to boost exports for U.S. agriculture, food, fish, and forestry products,” the USDA said in a release.
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The USCG also received $13.9 million in January. A spokesperson for the USCG declined to comment.
See the full list of ATP fund recipients here.
CoBank’s latest quarterly research report, released July 10, highlights current uncertainty around the implementation of three biofuel policies, RFS RVOs, small refinery exemptions (SREs) and the 45Z clean fuels production tax credit.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration maintained its forecast for 2025 and 2026 biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 8.
XCF Global Inc. on July 10 shared its strategic plan to invest close to $1 billion in developing a network of SAF production facilities, expanding its U.S. footprint, and advancing its international growth strategy.
U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.
XCF Global Inc. on July 8 provided a production update on its flagship New Rise Reno facility, underscoring that the plant has successfully produced SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha during its initial ramp-up.