Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is the significance of agriculture in the economy of a country?
- Why do you think reducing energy expenses is important for those involved in agricultural production?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/
- agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/
- supplier /suh-PLAI-er /
- production /pruh-DUK-shuhn/
- inflation /in-FLEY-shuhn /
[adjective] – of considerable importance, size, or worth
The company made a substantial investment in research and development to improve its products.
[noun] – the practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil and the rearing of animals
Agriculture plays a crucial role in providing food for the growing population.
[noun] – a person or organization that provides goods or services
Local farmers often serve as suppliers of fresh produce to the nearby markets.
[noun] – the process of making or manufacturing goods
The factory increased its production to meet the rising demand for its products.
[noun] – a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money
The government implemented measures to control inflation and stabilize the economy.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Biden government has recently announced a substantial financial commitment of $207 million for projects related to fertilizer and renewable energy within the United States. Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Agriculture Secretary, disclosed this funding on January 22, 2024, with the main goal of enhancing competition among suppliers for American farmers and ranchers. The primary purpose of this initiative is to reduce the energy expenses faced by those involved in agricultural production. Through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), the USDA is allocating $50 million to seven projects across seven states. These projects include the development of a fully automated fertilizer facility in Nebraska and the establishment of a new anaerobic digestion facility in North Carolina.
The USDA is allocating $157 million for 675 projects in 42 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with over $94 million coming from the Inflation Reduction Act. These projects, spanning various renewable energy initiatives, include a solar array installation in Colorado, a solar photovoltaic system on a Pennsylvania soybean farm, and an energy-efficient refrigeration system at a South Dakota meat company. The main goal is to help farmers and agricultural producers cut energy expenses, increase revenue, and promote renewable energy infrastructure. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack emphasized that these investments will support domestic fertilizer production, create jobs, and enable individuals to save on energy costs for reinvestment in their businesses and communities.
The USDA is allocating $157 million for 675 projects in 42 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with over $94 million coming from the Inflation Reduction Act. These projects, spanning various renewable energy initiatives, include a solar array installation in Colorado, a solar photovoltaic system on a Pennsylvania soybean farm, and an energy-efficient refrigeration system at a South Dakota meat company. The main goal is to help farmers and agricultural producers cut energy expenses, increase revenue, and promote renewable energy infrastructure. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack emphasized that these investments will support domestic fertilizer production, create jobs, and enable individuals to save on energy costs for reinvestment in their businesses and communities.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- According to the article, how much money did the Biden government commit to projects related to fertilizer and renewable energy?
- What is the primary goal of the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), as mentioned in the article?
- How is the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) expected to benefit farmers and agricultural producers?
- Can you provide an example of a project mentioned in the article that falls under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)?
- According to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, what are some of the positive outcomes expected from the announced investments?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you or anyone you know been directly impacted by government administration decisions, particularly in the agricultural sector? If so, could you share a specific experience? If not, do you think such decisions affect people’s lives? Why or why not?
- In the context of the article, can you think of any challenges that farmers might incur in their agricultural activities?
- Do you agree that financial support from the government is essential for promoting renewable energy projects?
- How do you think the investment in renewable energy infrastructure aligns with the goal of reducing energy costs for farmers, as mentioned in the article?
- From a critical perspective, what potential challenges or criticisms might arise regarding the administration’s financial commitment to these projects?