A coalition of organizations supported the testimony presented at the House Ag Energy Subcommittee farm bill hearing by Agriculture Energy Coalition Co-Director Ryan Stroschein Friday. His testimony urged Congress to ensure robust funding for the 2012 Farm Bill Energy Title. Stroschein noted that rural America has been at the epicenter of the nation’s emerging renewable energy and bioproducts industries – and farmers, ranchers, small businesses and rural economies have started realizing the benefits.

National Farmers Union was among the groups supporting Stroschein’s testimony. NFU President Roger Johnson says the energy title is critical not only because of its investment in rural America – but also because it’s leading to the commercialization of second generation renewable fuels. By producing renewable fuels here in the U.S. – Johnson says we can become more energy secure while preserving our natural resources.

According to USDA – the Rural Energy for America – or REAP – program is estimated to have saved or created 15-thousand jobs between 2009 and 2011.