Agri-Pulse Open Mic Podcast

This week's Open Mic guest is Ben Kruger, senior vice president at Roeslein Renewables.  The International Maritime Organization is set to vote on policy that would embrace greater use of renewable fuel in the global shipping industry. Kruger says this move would present a tremendous opportunity for the domestic renewable fuel industry and biodiesel from soybeans and other sources. Kruger says a positive vote by the IMO and steps by Washington to pursue the opportunity could bring $5 to 10 billion dollars to the rural economy. 

This week's Open Mic guest is James Glueck, Executive Director of the Plant Based Products Council. He says the same consumer who is demanding more sustainably produced food is also showing a desire to purchase more plant-based products and USDA says the ag bioeconomy added over $489 billion dollars to the nation's economy. The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition is lobbying Congress to continue funding for the USDA's BioPreferred Program in a new farm bill as well as two key pieces of legislation on Capitol Hill. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Representative Tracey Mann.  As the representative of the Big First District in Kansas, Mann is concerned about the farm economy and the challenges especially crop farmers are facing now. He sees the need for financial assistance for row crop farmers but also recognizes the fiscal challenges before the nation. He is hopeful to see a farm bill approved before the end of the year but says budget and and spending issues are at the top of the list of priorities facing the nation.

This week's Open Mic guest is Pam Marrone, Co-founder and Executive Chair of the Invasive Species Corporation. Marrone says there are over 37,000 invasive species in the world with over 3,500 that are considered harmful. Combined, these species have cost the global economy over $1 trillion dollars. As the climate warms, Marrone says these species are migrating farther north, impacting an even larger area and bringing danger to plant and animal species as well as industries essential to rural communities. Marrone says prevention is key but greater investment in biologicals and ag research is needed to help limit the spread of these harmful pests. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Illinois 13^th District Representative Nikki Budzinski.  On the sidelines of last week's Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Budzinski said she was anxious to get back to Washington to work on budget legislation and farm policy. Budzinski is aware of the looming financial challenge facing row crop farmers and anticipates large federal outlays may be necessary to prevent significant farm losses. She hopes some funding cuts to Medicade can be restored and hopes the majority side of the aisle brings a spirit of bipartisanship back to the ag committee.