The "Farm to Fly Act of 2025" aims to support the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels by including them in Department of Agriculture bioenergy programs, promoting collaboration between the agriculture and aviation sectors, and amending the definition of renewable biomass to include sustainable aviation fuel. This act seeks to boost the development, production, and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to support U.S. agriculture, increase energy security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector.
Jerry Moran
Senator
KS
The "Farm to Fly Act of 2025" aims to promote the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by integrating them into Department of Agriculture bioenergy programs. It amends existing definitions to include SAF, sets specific standards for SAF qualification, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to advance SAF development through inter-agency collaboration, public-private partnerships, and support for American farmers. The act seeks to increase domestic energy security, support the agricultural sector, and foster rural economic growth by accelerating a commercially viable SAF industry in the U.S.
Farm to Fly Act Takes Off: New Bill Fuels Sustainable Aviation with Help from American Farmers
The Farm to Fly Act of 2025 is essentially revving up the engines for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, using existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. The bill expands the definition of "renewable biomass" and "biofuel" to specifically include SAF, meaning these fuels can now tap into existing USDA funding and support. The bill mandates that to qualify as 'sustainable,' the fuel must meet specific technical standards (ASTM International D7566 or Fischer Tropsch provisions of D1655, Annex A1) and cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared to regular jet fuel (SEC. 3).
Cleared for Takeoff: What Changes?
The biggest change is that sustainable aviation fuel is now officially on the USDA's radar. This means programs designed to boost biorefineries and renewable chemicals will now explicitly include SAF (SEC. 5). The bill also directs the Secretary of Agriculture to actively promote SAF development, pushing for collaboration between different USDA agencies and encouraging public-private partnerships (SEC. 4). Think of it like this: if a farmer is growing crops that can be used for SAF, they might now have access to more resources and support through existing USDA programs.
Real-World Runway: Who Benefits and How?
This bill could be a win for several groups. U.S. farmers could see increased demand for their crops, boosting rural economies. For example, a farmer growing corn could potentially sell their product to a biorefinery producing SAF, creating a new market. The aviation industry gets a push towards cleaner fuels, potentially reducing their environmental footprint. And for the rest of us? It could mean a step towards greater energy independence and a slightly less polluted sky. The bill explicitly points out that SAF can "increase domestic energy security" and create "new markets for U.S. farmers" (SEC. 2).
Potential Turbulence: Challenges Ahead
While the bill aims for a smooth flight, there are potential bumps. The definition of "sustainable" and how those greenhouse gas reductions are measured will be crucial. The bill references the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation and the GREET model for determining this, but ensuring these standards are rigorously applied will be important (SEC. 3). Also, the push for public-private partnerships could raise questions about how these collaborations are structured and who benefits most. The bill is clear that SAF cannot be derived from palm fatty acid distillates or petroleum (SEC. 3). It is designed to be produced from agricultural sources.