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Tom Vilsack on how agriculture can be part of climate solution

In the United States, around 7% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from the way we raise and grow food, some argue the percentage is even higher. A new program aims to reduce such emissions, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Vilsack announced in late 2009 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or the USDA, will partner with American dairy farmers to help them convert animal manure(肥料) into energy.

In this program, the methane(甲烷) found in animal waste will be used to generate electricity. This prevents methane from entering the atmosphere, where it contributes to global warming. Vilsack said that manure is converted to electricity with what’s called anaerobic digester(厌氧消化池) technology – manure is broken down and used to power generators.

Currently, only a small percentage of U.S. dairies are equipped with anaerobic digesters. Vilsack said this number will increase, to help the USDA meet its goal of reducing 25 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. As Vilsack noted at a recent climate meeting:

Tom Vilsack: The USDA stands ready to partner with American agriculture to make sure that there are resources and incentives to get the job done as quickly and efficiently and effectively as possible.

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