Advance robust domestic markets for crop-based biofuels grown by U.S. Farmers

Biofuel markets and tax incentives are used to estimate carbon intensities associated with feedstock production. The ability of these models to accurately represent carbon intensities associated with the U.S. Agriculture sector will help ensure a level playing field and improve U.S. Feedstocks and biofuel access to domestic and international markets. Under this cooperative agreement, USDA will support critical updates to a widely used economic model, with a specific intent to ensure timely updates accurately account for recent improvements in farm productivity. Deliverables associated with this cooperative agreement will include (i) improvements and automation of updates to the model structure; (II) documentation and assessments of the changes made; and (III) market analysis of changes in biofuel demand on the U.S. Farm sector. Products will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and written reports. USDA will use the results of this project in international biofuel negotiations and in other regulatory settings to ensure that that U.S. Commodities are being scored in a scientifically accurate way. The results will ensure the carbon intensities of U.S. Biofuels are not overstated and will improve the competitiveness and profitability of U.S. Feedstocks in domestic and international biofuel markets.