Energy Efficiency in Agriculture

Presented by R. Neal Elliott, Ph.D., P.E.Senior Director of ResearchAmerican Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

Energy Use in AgricultureAgriculture one of the

most energy intensive economic sectors

Ag consumes 1-3% total U.S. energy—food systems 10-17%

Important to consider both:•Direct energy (fuel & electricity)•Indirect energy (fertilizer, feed & water)

Fertilizer Production

29%

Herbicide/ Pesticide

Production 6%

Irrigation 7%

Diesel Fuel(Non-Irrigation)

25%

Gasoline 9%

LPG5%

Electricity (Non-Irrigation)

18%

Natural Gas(Non-Irrigation)

1%

Energy is one of the largest controllable costs of production

Direct energy 5%

Indirect energy 10%

Livestock & poultry10%

Feed 13%

Labor 11%

Seeds, supplies, etc11%

Farm services12%

Farm improvements5%

Machinery & vehicles 7%

Rent, interest & taxes16%

Farm Production Expenditures 2004

Source: USDA/ERS 2006

Challenges for Energy Efficiency in Agriculture

• Farmers are busy—energy efficiency an afterthought

• Competition for dollars intense• Need to work through existing trust networks• Farm operations are complex—need to

understand the impacts of measures

Contact InformationR. Neal Elliott, Ph.D., P.E.ACEEE529 14th Street, NW, Suite 600Washington, D.C. 20045202-507-4009rnelliott@aceee.org

For more information visit: www.aceee.org