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News
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Report evaluates Oregon agriculture and energy
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4/6/2011
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Article Content Suggested lead
When it comes to using energy efficiently and developing renewable sources, Oregon agriculture is doing okay. But a new report says farmers and ranchers can do better:
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Audio 01
The report issued by the Oregon Department of Agriculture points out there are a lot of energy efficiency opportunities out there for Oregon farms and ranches:
PAGE: "There are a few farms out there that have not only made all the efficiency improvements they possibly can, but are starting to do renewable projects to replace some of their energy use. But I think the vast majority of farmers and ranchers out there have a lot of efficiency improvements that they can still make." :16
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Audio 02
Stephanie Page is ODA's renewable energy specialist. She says energy is a significant and unpredictable cost for Oregon ag producers. That's why a combination of making energy efficiencies and developing renewable energy is attractive. However:
PAGE: "If someone is looking at where to start, I would definitely suggest looking at efficiency opportunities first. They tend to be a lower cost to start with and pay back more quickly." :10
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Page says if the farm has reduced energy use as much as possible, they can then start to look at renewable energy opportunities, such as building anaerobic digesters or growing bio-fuel crops. The report will hopefully be used to support efforts to continue energy-related incentive programs and technical assistance to producers. In Salem, I'm Bruce Pokarney.
Additional audio: Audio 03
PAGE says there are many examples of Oregon agriculture making wise use of energy, but there needs to be more:
"We've had greenhouses making heating efficiency improvements. A lot of folks have been doing irrigation efficiency upgrades. They've received support from several state incentives, utility incentives, and national funding programs. We really need to preserve the incentives and the technical capacity that is out there." :21
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Additional audio: Audio 04
PAGE says there is one specific area outlined in the report that needs attention when it comes to energy use in agriculture:
"I think anything we can do to help folks reduce fertilizer use and even look for renewable sources of fertilizer- just like we are looking for fuel and renewable electricity sources- that's really going to be important for agriculture in the US over time." :15
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/110406energy.shtml |
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