Missouri has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the leader in ethanol blender pumps.
During the Missouri State Fair, an official from USDA’s Rural Development agency paid a visit to recognize Missouri as the national leader in renewable energy. Through a partnership with the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri fuel retailers have been approved to install 26 biofuel pumps – more than any other state in the nation.
“It’s the Show-Me State and they’re showing us alright,” USDA Rural Development Business Program Administrator Judy Canales said during a speech at the Missouri Corn booth. “It behooves Missouri because in the long run this is going to be a locally grown product that is creating and keeping jobs in rural communities. That’s why we’re so pleased to have this partnership with Missouri Corn.”
“Missouri Corn is leading the charge in growing Missouri’s use of renewable fuels and giving consumers choices at the pump,” noted Missouri Corn Director of Ethanol Policy Bradley Schad. “By providing these ethanol options, consumers can now choose a lower cost fuel alternative for their vehicle while supporting Missouri’s rural economy, keeping dollars here at home and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. We commend the USDA for their efforts to expand the availability of biofuels for consumers.”
In this photo from Missouri Corn, Canales and Schad pose with other members of the partnership at the Missouri State Fair. Left to right: Missouri Corn board member Rob Korff of Norborne, Mo.; Matt Moore, Missouri USDA Rural Development business program director; Barry Hart, executive vice president of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives; Judy Canales, USDA Rural Development business program administrator; Bradley Schad, Missouri Corn director of ethanol policy; Gary Marshall, Missouri Corn CEO; Janie Dunning, Missouri state director USDA Rural Development; Kenny McNamar, Missouri Corn Growers Association president from Gorin, Mo.; and Billy Thiel, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council chairman from Marshall, Mo.
Read more from Missouri Corn here.