Farm to Fly Act Takes Off: USDA Biofuel Programs to Include Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The "Farm to Fly Act of 2025" (SEC. 1) aims to make sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) a bigger player in the biofuel game. Basically, it's updating the rulebook to get the Department of Agriculture (USDA) more involved in pushing for cleaner jet fuels.

Fueling the Future: What's Changing?

The bill redefines "renewable biomass" within the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to specifically include SAF (SEC. 3). Think of it like this: if you're a farmer growing crops that can be turned into jet fuel, this bill opens up new USDA programs and funding opportunities. It also means that companies building biorefineries to produce SAF can tap into existing financial assistance programs (SEC. 5).

But it's not just any biofuel. The bill lays out a pretty strict definition of "sustainable aviation fuel" (SEC. 3). We're talking liquid fuel that meets specific industry standards (ASTM D7566 or D1655, Annex A1), isn't made from palm oil or petroleum, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% (compared to regular jet fuel). That 50% reduction is measured using either the CORSIA standard or the GREET model – basically, ways of calculating the total environmental impact of the fuel's production and use.

Real-World Runway: How This Affects You

Imagine a corn farmer in Iowa. Previously, their corn might have primarily gone to animal feed or ethanol for cars. Now, there's a potential new market: jet fuel. This could mean more demand for their crops, potentially boosting their income. Or consider a rural town with a struggling economy. A new biorefinery producing SAF could bring jobs and investment.

The bill also directs the Secretary of Agriculture to actively promote SAF (SEC. 4). This means coordinating efforts within the USDA, figuring out how to get this fuel from the farm to the airplane, and teaming up with private companies.

Cleared for Takeoff?: Potential Turbulence

While the bill's goals are good, there are potential downsides. For example, it relies on the existing definition of "Biomass" from section 45K(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. While this definition is established, the shift of resources to aviation fuel could potentially divert resources from other uses. The bill specifically excludes fuels derived from palm fatty acid distillates, which is a good step, but there could be other feedstocks that raise eyebrows down the line. It all hinges on how "sustainability" is defined and enforced.

The Act's purposes (SEC. 2) are clearly stated: boost domestic energy security, create markets for U.S. farmers, and help the aviation sector go greener. It's a move to get the agriculture and aviation industries working together, acknowledging that farmers have a big role to play in producing cleaner fuels.