WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) reintroduced the Growing Rural Ag Infrastructure Needs to Deliver Rising Yields (GRAIN DRY) Act, legislation that would expand the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include propane storage.

“Farmers across southern Minnesota rely on propane to dry grain and heat their barns,” said Rep. Finstad. “The GRAIN DRY Act will enhance farmers' access to propane supplies by providing reliable financial resources through the FSFL program, enabling them to invest in critical infrastructure for their operations.”

“As farmers work toward a sustainable future, propane is an important component that powers a large segment of agricultural operations from milking parlors, irrigation engines to grain dryers,” said Rep. Costa. “This legislation provides economic opportunities for American farmers to increase their propane storage, cut fuel costs, and reduce supply chain disruptions in the future.” 

"The National Propane Gas Association and its members would like to thank Representatives Finstad and Costa for introducing legislation that will help farmers maintain access to additional affordable and much-needed storage, and provide them the greater ability to maintain an adequate supply of propane," said Steve Kaminski, President and CEO of the National Propane Gas Association. "Propane has long been the preferred fuel for farmers to heat their homes and livestock facilities and across various agricultural processes, particularly when drying corn, grain, and other crops to proper moisture levels after harvesting. This critical legislation will allow farmers to access low-interest loans to build out the propane storage they need for their operations."

Background:

Currently, propane storage is not considered an eligible facility under the FSFL program. The GRAIN DRY Act would expand the loan program to include propane storage, a critical tool for drying grain and heating barns, allowing agricultural producers access to the same financing for propane storage that is available for other on-farm storage facilities.

The GRAIN DRY Act was included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, which passed in the House Agriculture Committee during the 118^th Congress.