Triepsyn
May-23rd-04, 5:53 am
<center>Moooove over, ethanol: Cow brains next on list
USDA to boost the use of banned cattle parts for energy production</center>
By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com
Move over, ethanol. Cow brains could be the next big thing in biofuels.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a new loan guarantee pilot project designed to encourage the development of renewable energy systems from the use of livestock as a raw material, said Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., Tuesday.
In January, USDA expanded the list of specified risk materials prohibited in the food supply as an additional firewall to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Osborne said.
Also, he said the Food and Drug Administration announced that it intends to prohibit specified risk materials in food regulated by the agency.
Because of consumer concerns about the use of "specified risk materials" being in animal feeds for swine, poultry and other animals, the FDA is considering such a ban.
Those specified risk materials include cattle brains, skull, eyes, spinal column, small intestines and other parts that could be risk materials for BSE, also known as mad cow disease.
"The USDA's program aimed at developing renewable energy systems is essential for many reasons," Osborne said.
He said by providing loan guarantees, the program creates vital economic opportunities for small businesses in the Third District, while destroying specified risk materials from cattle and further protecting the food supply.
"The program also works to improve our country's energy independence, as it is increasingly important to look for opportunities that promote the expansion of the use of renewable fuels," Osborne said.
He said the USDA expects up to three awards will be made, totaling $50 million. No dollar restriction exists for any one award provided the amount requested does not exceed $50 million. The amount of the loan guarantee cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost.
The new federal energy program could benefit Nebraska.
Not only is Nebraska the nation's third leading ethanol-producing state, but last year the state slaughtered 7.6 million head of cattle to lead the nation.
Also, Nebraska is one of the nation's leading soybean-producing states and a ban of high-risk cattle parts in all animal feed could be a big boost for the use of soybean meal as a feed substitute.
Osborne said applicants must submit their applications to the USDA State Rural Development Office where the proposed project is located or where the borrower is headquartered by Aug. 16.
USDA to boost the use of banned cattle parts for energy production</center>
By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com
Move over, ethanol. Cow brains could be the next big thing in biofuels.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a new loan guarantee pilot project designed to encourage the development of renewable energy systems from the use of livestock as a raw material, said Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., Tuesday.
In January, USDA expanded the list of specified risk materials prohibited in the food supply as an additional firewall to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Osborne said.
Also, he said the Food and Drug Administration announced that it intends to prohibit specified risk materials in food regulated by the agency.
Because of consumer concerns about the use of "specified risk materials" being in animal feeds for swine, poultry and other animals, the FDA is considering such a ban.
Those specified risk materials include cattle brains, skull, eyes, spinal column, small intestines and other parts that could be risk materials for BSE, also known as mad cow disease.
"The USDA's program aimed at developing renewable energy systems is essential for many reasons," Osborne said.
He said by providing loan guarantees, the program creates vital economic opportunities for small businesses in the Third District, while destroying specified risk materials from cattle and further protecting the food supply.
"The program also works to improve our country's energy independence, as it is increasingly important to look for opportunities that promote the expansion of the use of renewable fuels," Osborne said.
He said the USDA expects up to three awards will be made, totaling $50 million. No dollar restriction exists for any one award provided the amount requested does not exceed $50 million. The amount of the loan guarantee cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost.
The new federal energy program could benefit Nebraska.
Not only is Nebraska the nation's third leading ethanol-producing state, but last year the state slaughtered 7.6 million head of cattle to lead the nation.
Also, Nebraska is one of the nation's leading soybean-producing states and a ban of high-risk cattle parts in all animal feed could be a big boost for the use of soybean meal as a feed substitute.
Osborne said applicants must submit their applications to the USDA State Rural Development Office where the proposed project is located or where the borrower is headquartered by Aug. 16.