Alternative Energy Being Embraced

Rabobank released it latest bi-annual Farm and Ranch survey, and since the last issue was released in April the use of alternative energy sources has doubled to 11 percent.

““By using alternative energy, U.S producers have found that they can reduce their costs while minimizing their impact on the environment,’ said Michael Whitehead, Rabobank food and agribusiness research and advisory executive director.”

According to the article in the Delta Farm Press, in addition to increasing the use of alternative energy sources, farmers are also moving towards implementing more sustainable techniques and methods in their operations. The survey “found 64 percent of farmers have taken steps toward sustainable agriculture. For example, U.S. producers are using direct seeding (64 percent), minimizing the use of chemicals (42 percent), and using water conservation practices (22 percent).”

An interesting point in the Delta Farm Press article is that 60 percent of survey respondents said, if climate change legislation is passed, that they would move towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

To read the Delta Farm Press article click here.

Posted: 11/13/09