Department of Agriculture Could Do More To Help Farmers Conserve Energy

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed energy conservation measures which farmers could adopt in the near-term and federal efforts to assist farmers in adopting such measures.

GAO reported that energy conservation measures that farmers can adopt in the near-term include: (1) more efficient water management, which can conserve both energy and water in the irrigation process; (2) conservation tillage to reduce the number of tractor trips across a field and thereby reduce fuel requirements; and (3) more efficient use of fertilizer, grain drying, and the maintenance and operation of farm machinery and equipment. Some farmers are not implementing energy conservation actions because they are reluctant to change from traditional methods, believing such changes could adversely affect crop yield and income and are too risky. However, certain farming practices that were commonplace only a few years ago are being reevaluated in terms of energy efficiency, cost, and yield potential. To overcome their reluctance to change, farmers need adequate information to assure them that energy conservation actions are also cost effective. Although energy conservation information is available, it is often too general and not applicable to individual farm situations. The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) field agencies could provide farmers with energy conservation information and the new USDA Office of Energy could be the focal point for energy conservation. Because of the Department of Energy's (DOE) uncertain funding situation, GAO is concerned about the future of its program.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: James Duffus Iii Team: General Accounting Office: Energy and Minerals Division Phone: (202) 512-7756