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These important
issues are what inspired ACEEE's Forum on Energy Efficiency in Agriculture.
The hope was to bring a diverse group of participants together to
raise awareness, share information, form new collaborations, and
create new ideas regarding policy options to increase energy efficiency
on farms and ranches and in rural communities. Attendees The Forum was
a big success. We had about 125 attendees from a wide variety of
backgrounds. The academic sector, which in the past has produced
leaders in promoting energy efficiency, was well represented, including
numerous participants from Iowa State University and the Iowa State
University Extension Office. We also had participants from universities
spanning North America, including the University of Missouri, University
of Kentucky, California State University at Fresno, University of
Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Michigan
State University Extension, University of Minnesota, and Purdue
University. A geographically diverse mix of government entities
were also present, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
California Energy Commission, New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Iowa Department
of Natural Resources, and U.S. Department of Energy. In addition,
we had representatives from most of the significant agriculturally
focused energy efficiency programs identified by ACEEE (see http://aceee.org/pubs/ie051.htm),
including PG&E, Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy, EnSave,
Wisconsin Focus on Energy, and Efficiency Vermont, along with sustainable
agricultural experts from the National Center for Appropriate Technology,
the Leopold Institute, Deere and Co., and Baldor Electric Company.
We also had a number of farmers who attended the conference. We
were pleased to find the participants extremely enthusiastic and
dedicated to working together to improve energy efficiency in the
agricultural sector. Themes Discussions were as diverse as the agricultural sector, but centered on ways to increase the role of energy efficiency in agriculture. Conference sessions were focused both on energy-efficient technologies and practices currently being used on the farm and on those that should be implemented in order to improve efficiency. Examples of key approaches discussed include use of Global Positioning Systems and multiple-function tools to reduce the number of tractor trips across the field. In addition, other topics emerged, such as "food miles" and issues regarding transportation of agricultural food and products. Some key issues that many felt need to be addressed include the lack of information regarding individual farm practices, the need for increased implementation of energy efficiency programs in general ranging from large statewide programs to smaller regional initiatives, and the disconnect between the environmental sector and the agricultural sector. A theme of particular
importance was the integration of energy efficiency and sustainable
development. While not the primary focus of the conference, the
environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy were also
raised in the context of how these resources could contribute to
a more sustainable rural community. Section
9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill A major theme
that attendees brought up repeatedly throughout the conference was
the role of Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill. While they
voiced complaints over the early application process, the sense
was that USDA is getting it right quickly. Some attendees expressed
concerns about the small pot of available funds as well as their
inability to get their "fair share." Attendees expressed that there
are growing needs for (1) a public awareness campaign by USDA about
energy efficiency/renewable energy opportunities and funding; and
(2) funding for energy audits to identify energy efficiency and
renewable energy opportunities. Other attendees pointed out that
the drafters of the bill had hoped that Section 9005 (Energy Audit
and Renewable Energy Development Program) would meet those needs.
In some markets,
like Iowa, other organizations have stepped in to meet those needs
by providing audit services, assistance in grant writing, co-funding
of projects, and technical assistance in project development. Section
9006 has become a motivator for many energy efficiency efforts at
the state and local levels. USDA and DOE, with the combined efforts
of Iowa State University, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
and Alliant Energy, held a successful grant writing workshop in
Des Moines the day before the conference that attracted over 80
people. However, other states like Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota,
South Dakota, and Idaho have not been as successful in organizing
and mobilizing state resources. One Forum attendee suggested that
state capability-building grants might prove useful to help address
these problems. Finally, attendees
expressed concerns about the fraying of the rural "extension" network
as well as already diminishing available resources. This is complicated
by cuts in DOE funding for state energy offices and the proposed
elimination of the State Technologies Advancement Collaborative
(STAC) and regional offices. There is a growing concern that the
ability to educate and provide technical assistance in the rural
communities is in peril. Next Steps Thank you to
everyone who contributed their time and energy to helping make the
Forum a success — in particular, to all the session organizers and
speakers who were the heart of the conference, and to the sponsors
who made the conference possible. A special thanks goes to Rebecca
Lunetta, ACEEE's Conferences Manager, and to Julie Kieffer from
Iowa State University Extension. Copies of the conference presentations are available on the ACEEE Web site at http://www.aceee.org/conf/af05/af05agenda.htm. ACEEE is currently evaluating what activities we will undertake to follow up on this conference. Stay updated by visiting us on the Web at http://aceee.org/industry/agriculture.htm. Sincerely, Neal Elliott,
Industrial and Agricultural Program Director
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