The Farm to Fly Act of 2025 directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help develop and promote sustainable aviation fuels—cleaner fuels for airplanes made from renewable sources like plants and agricultural materials. Right now, the USDA supports various renewable energy projects through different programs, but this bill specifically adds sustainable aviation fuel to that list of priorities.

To qualify as sustainable aviation fuel under this bill, the fuel must meet strict standards: it has to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared to regular jet fuel, it can't be made from certain materials like palm oil or petroleum, and it must meet international quality standards. The bill also requires the USDA to actively work on expanding this industry by finding new opportunities to develop these fuels, helping rural communities benefit economically from aviation sustainability efforts, and encouraging partnerships between government and private companies.

Essentially, this bill is about using American agriculture and farming to create cleaner fuel for airplanes. It affects farmers and rural communities who could potentially grow crops for fuel production, aviation companies looking for sustainable alternatives, and ultimately anyone concerned about reducing aviation's environmental impact. By making sustainable aviation fuel a formal part of USDA programs, the bill aims to jumpstart an industry that could create new economic opportunities in rural areas while helping the aviation sector become more environmentally friendly.

Farm to Fly Act of 2025

Moran, Jerry

Farm to Fly Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to integrate the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels into its programs.Specifically, this bill includes sustainable aviation fuel as an advanced&nbsp;biofuel for the purposes of several USDA&nbsp;bioenergy programs that primarily provide support and incentives for renewable energy projects.For purposes of these programs, the bill defines sustainable aviation fuel as liquid fuel, the portion of which is not kerosene, which (1) meets specific international standards, (2) is not derived from coprocessing specific materials (e.g., triglycerides) with a non-biomass feedstock, (3) is not derived from palm fatty acid distillates or petroleum, and (4) is certified as having a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage of at least 50% compared with petroleum-based jet fuel (based on specific standards and agreements).In addition, the bill specifically&nbsp;includes fostering and advancing sustainable aviation fuels as part of the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program.Further, USDA must carry out a comprehensive and integrated pursuit of all USDA mission areas for the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels, including through<ul><li>the identification of opportunities to maximize the development and commercialization of the fuels,</li><li>supporting rural economic development through improved sustainability for aviation, and</li><li>advancing public-private partnerships.</li></ul>