/ Source: The Associated Press
An effort to boost Vermont agriculture by getting farmers to grow and use new biofuels has gotten a boost via a federal grant of $484,300.
The grant brings funding to $2.9 million from three federal appropriations bills secured by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. for biofuels research, development and demonstration projects in the state.
Leahy says the projects are geared toward the goals of developing new energy sources, economic development and diversifying Vermont farms.
Farmers involved in the project have been rotating grains, grasses, cover crops and oil seeds for biofuel production.
A lead participant is the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, which has made biofuels development a key part of its agenda.