 Success Stories |
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Missouri Governor Matt Blunt continues emphasis on biofuels |
| Time:2008-7-5 15:48:00 From: |
During the State of the State Address Wednesday evening at the Capitol in Jefferson City, Blunt told legislators ethanol-blended fuel leads to improved air quality and helps family farmers. According to Blunt, both of those issues are vital to the future of the nation.
“This year’s budget fully funds the biodiesel and ethanol incentives, and I further propose that we fulfill all outstanding payments in the supplemental budget,” Blunt said during his address. Blunt also pointed out in the past, he already signed legislation for the biodiesel and ethanol incentive funds, as well as funding for back payments.
Blunt also called ethanol one of agriculture’s greatest success stories. He says, “In the same way that Missouri’s farmers rose to a great challenge and fed the world in the last century, this century’s Missouri farmers will answer another noble calling and fuel America.”
The governor signed legislation last year that requires virtually all gasoline sold in the state to contain at least 10 % ethanol.
“We are grateful for Governor Blunt’s unwavering support of Missouri’s farmer-owned ethanol industry,” says John Eggleston, Missouri Renewable Fuels Association President. “The construction of additional farmer cooperatively-owned plants and increased research of biofuels will advance the corn-based ethanol platform that Missouri farmers have worked so hard to build,” says Eggleston, who also serves as the president of Northeast Missouri Grain Processors, LLC.
Biodiesel is also included in the Governor’s plan and Dale Ludwig, Missouri Soybean Association CEO says Missouri agriculture is in the right position to experience its largest growth in the next few years. Ludwig says Governor’s Blunt continued support for renewable fuels will ensure Missouri is a national agricultural leader.
Blunt recommended $28.5 million go toward the Missouri Qualified Producer Incentive Fund that supports production payments. This addition will make total funding for the incentive fund $33.8 million.
Ludwig was pleased with Blunt’s address, especially with the timing. MSA introduced legislation earlier this year requiring all diesel fuel sold in the state to contain a minimum of 5 % biodiesel by January 1, 2009. “Such clear state support of biofuels makes me confident of MSA’s work in trying to get the B5 standard passed,” says Ludwig.
Blunt also urged legislators to pass the Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act this session. He calls the Act important in ensuring Missouri farm families can keep producing the food and fiber that’s vital to feeding the entire world.
The legislation is sponsored by Senator Chris Koster and Representative Brian Munzlinger. MSA says if passed, it will help protect farmers against nuisance lawsuits and to modernize their farming operations.
Meanwhile, 14 Missouri agricultural organizations have joined together and support Blunt’s messages through a Coalition for Missouri Farm and Food Preservation. According to a press release, the coalition’s goal is to make sure U.S. consumers continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world.
“Our farmers and ranchers deserve consistent and fair regulation by state and federal agencies that have the expertise to establish and enforce regulation, as opposed to a hodgepodge of discriminatory local restrictions,” says Brent Bryant, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association executive vice president.
“I am very proud of the fact that production agriculture and the agribusiness community are united on an issue that is going to profoundly affect the lives of everyone involved in our great industry,” explains Jim Russell, Missouri Agribusiness Association (MO-Ag) president.
The Coalition consists of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Dairy Association, MFA Inc., Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Egg Council, Missouri Poultry Federation, FCS Financial, Progressive Farm Credit, Macon County Ag Alliance and Friends of Agriculture in Marion County.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture supports the governor’s message about agriculture. MDA Director Fred Ferrell, points out Blunt recognizes that Missouri’s agricultural industry is truly a success story.
“Protecting our farmers is a key initiative and we look forward to furthering the Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act that will protect Missouri’s farmers,” Ferrell states. “Our farmers must be able to continue to do the work that they do best – bringing food to our tables and supporting our economy.”
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