RFA Welcomes New Ethanol Group

Cindy Zimmerman

The nation’s oldest ethanol advocacy organization is welcoming the formation of Growth Energy, a new group announced Tuesday in Washington DC. In a statement, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) said it “welcomes Growth Energy’s support in tackling challenges and seizing upon the opportunities before America’s ethanol producers. On behalf of ethanol producers across America and in conjunction with our international …

Ethanol, POET, RFA

New Ethanol Organization Announced

Cindy Zimmerman

POET and other leading ethanol producers from around the country announced the launch of a new organization, Growth Energy, at a press conference at the National Press Club today. “The organization will be dedicated to promoting clean, green ethanol as America’s best renewable fuel that is high-tech and homegrown, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” …

Ethanol, News, POET

BBI Moving Headquarters

Cindy Zimmerman

BBI International is moving to bigger headquarters nearer to an international airport. BBI has maintained its corporate headquarters in Salida and neighboring Cotopaxi, Colorado for nearly 15 years. Maintaining its operational hub in the geographically remote community became increasingly difficult for the 90-person international company, according to company president Mike Bryan, especially being three hours from Denver airport. The company …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Former Ag Secretary on Ethanol Company Board

Cindy Zimmerman

Former Secretary of Agriculture John Block recently was named to the board of directors for California-based potential cellulosic ethanol company AE Biofuels, Inc. “AE Biofuels has a winning strategy and a strong management team. The company’s patent-pending cellulosic ethanol plant in Montana is producing ethanol from agricultural waste, and its 50 million gallon biodiesel facility in India is supplying large …

Cellulosic, Ethanol, News

Ethanol Conversations

Cindy Zimmerman

The executive director of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) recently unveiled her new blog, Ethanol Conversations. Toni Nuernberg’s site focuses on spurring conversations and debates on the continued growth of ethanol in the United States and around the world. EPIC is also utilizing new media in other ways, including a page on Facebook, and a YouTube channel featuring …

EPIC, Ethanol, News

Patriot Ethanol is Processor Preferred

Cindy Zimmerman

Illinois’ newest ethanol plant adds to a growing list of facilities that are part of the Monsanto Processor Preferred Network. Patriot Renewable Fuels CEO Gene Griffith says they hope to use as much corn as possible from local farmers to produce ethanol at the new 100 million gallon per year plant. “We will need approximately 215,000 acres worth of corn …

Agribusiness, Ethanol, Facilities, News

One VeraSun Plant Opening Delayed

Cindy Zimmerman

The opening of one VeraSun ethanol plant is now in limbo since the company filed for bankruptcy. VeraSun announced that it is indefinitely delaying the startup of its 110 million gallon per year ethanol biorefinery in Janesville, Minnesota but will continue operations at its 14 facilities across an eight-state region. Construction on the Janesville facility is nearly completed and the …

Ethanol, News

ADM and Brazilian Company to Produce Sugarcane Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

Archer Daniels Midland Company and Brazilian agricultural company Grupo Cabrera have formed a joint venture to produce ethanol from sugarcane. The joint venture will construct two processing complexes, each consisting of a sugarcane plantation, a sugar mill, an ethanol distillery and a biomass- powered cogeneration facility to provide power and steam. The complexes will be located in Limeira Do Oeste …

Agribusiness, Ethanol, News

USDA Under Secretary Resigns

Cindy Zimmerman

The exodus of appointees under the Bush Administration has begun. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced the resignation of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr. “Tom Dorr has been a transformational leader for USDA Rural Development,” Schafer said. “As the transition to a new Administration continues in the months ahead, senior leaders will be moving on, but …

Government, News, USDA

Ethanol Pleased with Election Results

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association wasted no time today in congratulating Barack Obama on his victory. “Throughout this campaign, President-elect Obama has reiterated that American farmers and ethanol producers are a critical component of our national strategy to help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil,” RFA said in a news release. “We look forward to working with an Obama Administration and …

EPIC, Ethanol, News, politics, RFA