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Propane is a cost-effective, clean, portable, high-energy
fuel that can help farmers reduce costs, increase
productivity, and meet increasingly stringent environmental
standards. Propane can be a key solution for many
agricultural operations, including waste treatment,
crop drying, power generation, and space conditioning.
Agricultural demand for propane represents 10 percent
of total propane sales and helps balance propane's
seasonal business cycles. The Propane Education and
Research Act highlights the important role of propane
on farms and requires PERC to devote at least five
percent of its budget towards programs and projects
that benefit the U.S. agricultural industry.
PERC's agricultural research program
has supported the development, demonstration, and/or
commercialization of propane technologies for:
- poultry house sanitization (fact
sheet)
- thermal cotton defoliation (fact
sheet)
- irrigation engines (fact
sheet)
- propane steam weed control (fact
sheet)
- alternatives to methyl bromide and other harmful
chemicals used in agricultural applications
Thermal Agriculture
Thermal Agriculture research focuses primarily on
pest control. It involves research and development of
equipment or processes to control pests such as weeds,
insects, microbes, and others that, left unchecked,
have a negative affect on the production of agriculture
commodities.
Crop/Food Conditioning
Crop/Food Conditioning research develops propane
technologies that help farmers protect agriculture commodities
through harvest, storage, and processing. A key area
of interest is pest control in storage and processing
facilities.
Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management research develops technologies
that help farmers maintain proper management of waste
materials. These materials are often rich in valuable
nutrients that can support or enhance other agricultural
production.
Power
Power research develops and demonstrates power generation
technologies for agricultural uses, including investment
in engines, fuel cells, and microturbines.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic Partnerships leverage PERC research funding
with matching grants for maximum return on investment,
and support technology development, commercialization,
and adoption. This area focuses on funds partnership
development, project development, project monitoring,
and other duties carried out by the Agriculture Advisory
Committee (AAC).
Data
Collection/Benchmarking
Data Collection/Benchmarking efforts gather data
aimed at identifying new farm markets and other data
that may further PERC's agriculture mission.
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