ATLANTA (AP) -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will discuss funding for new biofuel refineries and speak in Atlanta to members of the nation's largest farm lobbying group.

Vilsack's office said that the secretary plans to announce Monday financial support intended to expand the nation's use of biofuels.

Congress has set aside money to encourage the production and use of those fuels, which President Barack Obama's administration considers an alternative to importing oil.

Vilsack is also slated to speak before members of the American Farm Bureau Federation who have gathered in Atlanta for their annual convention.

Copyright 2011 The AP.