Ag News: EPA’s Renewable Fuels Obligation

**The USDA projected production of Florida Oranges at 46 million boxes and Florida Grapefruit at 4.1 million boxes for the 21-22 citrus season in its December forecast.

www.morningagclips.com reports, the forecast is a decrease from the initial October Forecast for Florida Orange production, but higher for Florida Grapefruit, while specialty fruit remained the same.

Florida Department of Citrus director, Shannon Shepp says today’s forecast underscores why support from leadership and policymakers is so important.

www.morningagclips.com/usda-changes-fla-citrus-production-projections-in-dec-forecast/

**Critics of the EPA’s renewable volume obligations announcement say the proposal sets the precedent of revising previously finalized volumes in the Renewable Fuel Standard.

EPA proposes to retroactively reopen and reduce the finalized 2020 renewable volume obligation, slashing the already settled conventional biofuel blending volume for that year from 15 billion gallons to 12.5 billion gallons.

Iowa Corn Growers Association President Lance Lillibridge says, “Biden's own EPA is undercutting the benefits of clean-burning ethanol and the livelihoods of corn farmers.”

**The USDA announced its relief program for biofuel producers, in conjunction with the EPA’s volume announcement.

USDA says up to $800 million will support biofuel producers and infrastructure, a long-awaited announcement authorized by the CARES Act.

The funding includes $700 million to provide economic relief to biofuel producers and restore renewable fuel markets affected by the pandemic and $100 million for expanding infrastructure for renewable fuels.