As
rising prices and security concerns dominate the energy debate, rural
leaders want to make sure agriculture is part of the solution. The
Intermountain Harvesting Energy Summit, scheduled for March 27-28th in
Loveland, Colorado, will explore how renewable energy and energy
efficiency can enhance farm income and revitalize rural communities.
The Summit will focus on establishing a series of statewide networks to
promote agriculture driven forms of energy. The event also will mark
the launch of the Intermountain Harvesting Energy Network, which will
provide an ongoing forum for leaders in the region. It is hoped that
the excitement generated from last year’s “Harvesting Energy Tour”
throughout Colorado can be replicated in the neighboring states of
Wyoming, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. The Harvesting
Energy Summit will bring together over 200 leaders from agriculture,
business, finance, academia, government, and advocacy organizations.
“Utilization
of America's natural resources and waste materials provides our nation
with new and innovative energy sources that can assist in increasing
our national energy security," said Thomas C. Dorr, USDA Under
Secretary for Rural Development. USDA will be represented by Jack
Gleason at the Summit.
Topics will include increasing the
production of liquid fuels like ethanol and biodiesel, generating
electricity by harnessing wind and solar, and turning crop residues and
livestock waste into value added energy feedstocks.
“The timing could not be better. This country is facing serious energy
challenges and agriculture has a lot to offer,” said Mike Bowman with
the 25 x ‘25 Ag-Energy Working Group. 25 x ‘25 is advocating for
agriculture to provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the
United States by the year 2025.
When: March 27-28
Where: The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex
Additional Information at: www.HarvestEnergy.org
