Catalyzes the formation of feruloyl-CoA, ADP and phosphate from ferulate, CoA and ATP. (E)-ferulate + ATP + CoA = (E)-feruloyl-CoA + ADP + phosphate Optimum pH is 7.8. Optimum temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. Homodimer. Catalyzes the activation of ferulate via CoA-thioesterification, a first enzymatic step for conversion of the lignin-derived ferulate into high value chemicals, such as vanillin and bioplastics. In the N-terminal section; belongs to the acetate CoA ligase alpha subunit family. In the C-terminal section; belongs to the acetate CoA ligase beta subunit family.