The House Ag Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry wrapped up the DC farm bill hearing series Friday. The hearing focused on the Energy Title – first included in the 2002 Farm Bill and the Forestry Title – which has been part of farm bills since 1990. The energy programs in Title IX were designed to promote a transition from corn-based ethanol to other advanced biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol. The most prominent programs in the energy title are the Biomass Crop Assistance Program and the Rural Energy for America program – but there is no budget baseline for these programs beyond the conclusion of the existing Farm Bill. Chairman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania says Friday’s panels provided subcommittee members with critical details on how current farm policy is performing, what areas need improvement and what recommendations will serve to create a stronger and more efficient law. He says the aim is to craft a measure that helps the nation meet rising energy demand.