2007 Farm Bill One of the largest bills before Congress at the close of 2007 is the 90 billion dollar Farm Bill. "The Farm Bill is a great opportunity for moving toward a local, healthy food, infrastructure," states Mark Muller, Director of the Environment and Agriculture Program, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. New initiatives in the Farm Bill can also positively influence the future of alternative energy resources: Energy efficiency grants for farmers. For example, subsidizing farmers to grow cellosic crops rather than corn for a more diverse crop pool. Funding for research on ethanol production with a sustainability criteria. Transitional assistance to farmers growing perennial plants for ethanol production, including adequate crop insurance. Continued local control of ethanol refineries rather than great consolidation by large corporations. Protection of conserved land from being turned into cornfields. Promoting bioenergy crops with conservation objectives that address and protect local resources. Let your voice be heard: By visiting the Legislative Action Alert section of sustainableagriculturecoalition.org, you can add your opinion and influence our legislators, or go here to send a pre-written email.