The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced that Louis Dreyfus Commodities has began production of its 100 million gallon ethanol plant near Grand Junction, Iowa.

“Thanks to the fortitude of companies like Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Iowa’s ethanol industry continues to move forward,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “I can’t predict the future, but there is a sense that a corner has been turned away from the difficult ending of 2008. This new biorefinery creates green collar jobs and provides an attractive market for local farmers. That is what the ethanol industry has been about since day one and that won’t change.”

Jay Nelson of Louis Dreyfus Commodities stated: “We appreciate all the support we have received from our state, county and local partners in Iowa. Local partnerships have always been of paramount importance to Louis Dreyfus over the course of our 150-plus year history. We look forward to being an active part of the community for many years to come.”

Currently Iowa has 40 ethanol refineries producing 3.3 billion gallons annually and construction of future plants will produce almost 500 million gallons.