Development News From Southwest Indiana

Edwardsport farmer and Knox County Farm Bureau President Brian Schroeder liked what he heard from Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman at Monday night’s annual district meeting in the Robert E. Green Activities Center at Vincennes University.

Skillman was on hand to explain the Daniels administration’s strategic plan for agriculture, a plan that stresses the relationship between farming and economic development.

“I think it will be a move for us and give agriculture a seat at the table for development in Indiana,” Schroeder said. “This plan will help get our voice out. The biofuel is an especially good idea with the current energy demands.”

Skillman said the plan, “Possibilities Unbound: The Plan for 2025,” emphasizes increased production and investment in biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are created from corn and soy.

“We want to be the nation’s capital in ethanol and biodiesel production,” she said. “Biofuel is a natural strength in Indiana, and we want to work with local farmers to help establish more bioenergy facilities around the state.”

Currently, four biofuel facilities have or will break ground within the next month in the state, and Skillman said that they expect to exceed the goal of offering 85 percent ethanol fuel pumps throughout the state by the end of next year.

Through legislation, the Clean Fuels Bill will also offer a total of $20 million in tax incentives for the expansion of ethanol and biodiesel production.

During her speech, Skillman outlined the comprehensive plan that will target Indiana’s agricultural strengths and future endeavors.

“Our mission is to make Indiana the global center for food and agriculture, and we want them to be the chief drivers in our economy,” she said.

The strategic plan is a result of Skillman’s working with the newly-formed state Department of Agriculture, the legislature, and farmers from throughout the state.

Farm Bureau District Director Dale Brown said this is going an exciting time for agriculture around the state and farmers should look forward to combining agriculture with economic development.

“This is the first time the two topics have been discussed openly in public,” he said. “At least we have a plan now.”