News Extra! 8/11/11

Jet fuel firms want camelina

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency announced last week new incentives for Whitman County farmers to grow camelina.

Under the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, producers could receive financial assistance to plant the oilseed crop.

Whitman County FSA Director Kathy Wolfe said in a statement the national FSA has joined with two biofuel companies to raise camelina that could be used in jet fuels.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture has worked to become a leader in promoting alternative and sustainable energy programs throughout the nation,” said Wolfe. “We are very excited that Washington has been approved for this project, and we look forward to helping farmers begin growing the next generation of fuels.”

The incentives are intended to offset the risks of trying the new crop as the government looks to ensure a reliable bio-fuel feedstock.

Farmers can sign up to participate in the program through Sept. 16.

Contracts will run for five years and pay an annual rental rate. Producers must also contact AltAir Fuels or Beaver Biodiesel about contracting camelina before applying to the FSA.

Wolfe said producers need to be aware of residual herbicide plant-back issues. Many chemicals applied to wheat or other crops can remain in the ground after they have been applied. Oilseeds can be sensitive to some of these chemicals, said Wolfe.

For more information, contact the county FSA office in Colfax.

Washtucna gets grant

Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed announced Aug. 3 that the city of Washtucna was granted $2,650 to help with preserving and improving access to public records. Washtucna was among 33 recipients who received grants totaling $200,000.

The grant is to be used to digitize and microfilm legal and historical records. .

Awards recipients were selected from among 104 applications requesting an estimated total of $887,000.

“For the past 10 years, this grant program has helped nearly 250 local government entities preserve records for future generations, and we’re very pleased to continue our support of these fine projects,” said Reed.