
The bipartisan Farm to Fly Act has been reintroduced, offering a pathway for U.S. agriculture to play a pivotal role in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector. Sponsored by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), the legislation is designed to leverage USDA programs to accelerate SAF development and foster private-sector collaboration. This move is expected to bolster rural economies and expand market opportunities for American farmers.
“Supporting sustainable aviation fuel helps further the United States’ national security and our farmers’ future,” said Senator Ernst. She emphasized that incorporating SAF into USDA programs could promote energy independence while showcasing Iowa biofuels on a national stage.
The bill has garnered strong support from agriculture leaders. Stu Swanson, President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, called it “an opportunity to expand domestic energy production and build partnerships in the aviation biofuels space.” Similarly, Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, noted that SAF represents the largest potential new market in U.S. agricultural history, adding, “This legislation ensures U.S. farmers and their products are treated fairly and have access to the SAF market.”
Key Provisions of the Farm to Fly Act
- SAF Eligibility: Clarifies SAF’s inclusion within existing USDA bioenergy programs, such as the Biorefinery Assistance Program and Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
- Standardized SAF Definitions: Codifies the use of the GREET model to calculate lifecycle emissions, ensuring feedstock qualifications are consistent and science-based.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Promotes inter-agency collaboration within the USDA and private-sector partnerships to maximize SAF development and commercialization.
An Agricultural Catalyst for SAF
The Farm to Fly Act aims to bridge the aviation and agricultural sectors, reinforcing SAF’s potential as a clean energy resource while creating economic opportunities for rural communities. Brent Swart, President of the Iowa Soybean Association, captured the broader vision: “By clarifying how SAF fits into USDA programs, we’re not just feeding the world, we’re helping power it.”
Airlines and agricultural groups alike are rallying behind the initiative. Supporters include major airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, as well as organizations like the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association.
“SAF represents the largest potential new market in the history of U.S. agriculture.”
The legislation also aligns with the SAF Grand Challenge, a federal initiative aimed at scaling domestic SAF production to 3 billion gallons per year by 2030. By prioritizing SAF, the Farm to Fly Act seeks to increase U.S. energy security while positioning agriculture as a critical player in aviation’s sustainable future.