Comment on FR Doc # E8-23286

USDA is proposing some controversial new rules not contained in the authorizing legislation. USDA also proposes helpful improvements, including effective ways to start the application process earlier in the year, before planting season. For example, USDA proposes that any grant request over $50,000 only be considered if the applicant previously requested, and was turned down for, a loan guarantee. This will diminish the benefit of the program for on-farm digesters, community wind, geothermal and other large renewable energy projects. The USDA also proposes to continue excluding farmers and other “agricultural producers” who are not in rural areas. This excludes ag operations, such as many greenhouses and nurseries, that have become surrounded by suburban development. In the process, USDA’s exclusionary rule diminishes program effectiveness – and support. this is especially important as it s becomming obvous that sprawl nwastes energy for transportation, depletes water tables, and wastes wild lands and farmlands ) making us dependant on dangerous foreign food suppliers). We need to focus on ncreatng sustainable cities and part of that is recognizing that local agriculature is important to reduced prices, safety and self reliance. see stockholm, a sustainable city that recycles everything (even human feces are turned into gas for cooking and cars) and promotes local business and agriculture for sustainable economy and sustainable environment.