The U-S-D-A is launching a new initiative to boost production of renewable fuels like ethanol. Federally owned corn and soybeans held in reserves will be made available at a reduced rate to ethanol plants that’re expanding or starting up. Renewable Fuels Association president Eric Vaughn says it’s an exciting announcement.Vaughn says it’s a signal the federal government is pushing alternative domestic fuels like ethanol and soy-diesel.There are five ethanol plants in Iowa, with another 16 in the planning stages. The U-S-D-A estimates 170-million bushels of Iowa corn will be turned into ethanol this year.