WASHINGTON, D.C., March 21, 2007 – America’s farmers and ranchers have long been recognized for producing safe and affordable food and fiber for the U.S. and abroad. Today, new opportunities and challenges are being placed on U.S. agriculture at a rapid pace in the area of renewable energy production.

The goal is to reduce our nation’s long-standing dependency on foreign oil and to provide cleaner burning renewable energy,” Stallman said today while presenting at the 3rd Annual 25x’25 Renewable Energy Summit. “This is a matter of national security.”

Those attending the summit maintain a common goal of supplying 25 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by 2025.

According to AFBF, the 25 x ’25 vision would create new economic opportunities, improve national security and curb greenhouse gas emissions. In order to make the goal a reality, AFBF is urging lawmakers to pass the 25x’25 national goal resolutions (S. Con. Res. 3 and H. Con. Res. 25) proposed in Congress, as well as working for the highest budget allocation for the upcoming farm bill.

Technological advancements are creating a new generation of renewable energy for all Americans. Along with state-of-the-art technology, farmers and ranchers are uniting to make it all happen, according to Stallman. He urged agriculturalists to serve as visible proponents for renewable energy.

“It is critical for the whole of agriculture to serve as a visible voice for renewable energy.” said Stallman. “The American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S. agriculture are up for the challenge and ready to put us on course to producing 25 percent of America’s energy from renewables by 2025.”