Tuesday, Jan 15 2013 1:42PM
The USDA said it plans to monetize conservation efforts in rural America.
In a speech to the American Farm Bureau Federation on January 14, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the countless opportunities for job growth, economic community development and energy initiatives in rural America.
He said that the USDA plans to monetize conservation efforts taken on by farmers, businesses and other entities in rural locations to create stronger ecosystems and preserve natural resources. In addition, Vilsack said the USDA will continue providing assistance to create a bio-based economy that relies heavily on biofuels. Through its"USDA Bio-based Product" label, that links manufacturers of more than 25,000 plant-based products with buyers, the agency said it hopes to not only protect the environment while lowering energy costs, but also help to create more jobs in this energy sector.
"Rural America is leading innovation in this country today," said Vilsack. "Rural areas can benefit tremendously through the bio-economy, whether producing cutting-edge new products or advanced biofuels from crops and plant products. We are learning more about what can be made from wood and forest products. We are discovering groundbreaking medical benefits associated with many homegrown products - and much more."
Clean energy and conservation are becoming more common subjects in rural development in light of several recent lawsuits. Native Americans, environmentalists and small towns in Washington, Colorado, Nevada and other rural states have lobbied lawmakers to consider how water system services and natural resources are being impacted by the heavy development of rural regions.
For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture