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GROWMARK Studying E15 Retailer Handbook

Cindy Zimmerman

As a leader in fuels produced by farmer cooperative members, GROWMARK is studying how to best implement 15% ethanol and upgrading its biodiesel quality program for marketing through the FS Brand system.

There are over 300 locally and independently operated FS FAST STOP and FAST STOP Express locations so GROWMARK Renewable Fuels Product Manager Brigette Harlan says they are carefully researching all the steps that need to be taken to offer E15 to guide them. “We’re working very closely with the Renewable Fuels Association in reviewing their E15 Retailer Handbook,” she explained. “We’re very supportive of this moving forward but we really want to ensure it’s done properly.”

Harlan says they recently updated their Biodiesel Quality Program, which has been in place since 2007. “It includes a specification that we require of all of our suppliers that’s tighter than the ASTM specifications, and also includes storage and handling and appropriate blending guidelines,” she said. “We just want to make sure that we are putting out there the best quality product that we can.”

GROWMARK FS Energy offers full truckloads of pure ethanol, various ethanol blends, pure biodiesel and blends with ultra sulfur diesel. “We try to offer whatever is needed by our customers,” said Harlan.

Listen to or download interview with Brigette Harlan here: GROWMARK Renewable Fuels Product Manager Brigette Harlan

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, FS Energy, GROWMARK, Retailers, RFA

Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Initiative Launched

Cindy Zimmerman

Aviation and clean technology leaders have joined together to launch the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI).

United Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Clean Energy Trust formed the initiative with the goal of advancing aviation biofuel development in a 12-state region of the central United States. MASBI will deliver “a comprehensive evaluation of the region’s biofuel potential and a plan to support regional and national needs in a responsible manner.” MASBI’s Advisory Council will include national leaders in advanced biofuels, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Navy, other Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.

“In just a few short years, aviation biofuels have developed from a hopeful vision of the future to an exciting reality of more than 1,500 passenger flights flown with advanced biofuels,” said Jimmy Samartzis, managing director of Global Environmental Affairs and Sustainability for United. “Our industry is committed to advancing sustainable biofuels, and United is proud to launch MASBI with our partners to define appropriate solutions to make alternative fuel available at commercial scale, unlock the Midwest’s economic potential for advanced biofuels and secure a sustainable future for aviation.”

MASBI Steering Committee members believe their efforts in promoting sustainable fuel supplies ultimately will spur economic growth, create jobs and promote energy security.

advanced biofuels, biojet fuel, USDA

Child Nutrition Should be Parents Responsibility

Chuck Zimmerman

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Who should be responsible for child nutrition?” I am all for good food nutrition for our children. But who is responsible? It seems like the government thinks it should have some control. I’ve heard and read lots of people saying we need more nutrition education. But don’t we have more than enough of that? How long has USDA made good nutrition information available? But we still see the problem of overeating. So, here’s what our poll found. 72% said Parents! I say, amen to that. Of course then you might ask why aren’t parents doing a better job of controlling what their kids eat. 24% said All of the above and 4% said Schools and no one chose specifically Government or Nutritionists. Interesting results.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Which group should restaurants consider experts on animal care?” This past weekend many folks in agriculture participated in an online thank you campaign for Domino’s Pizza. Why? Because the restaurant chain made a decision based on good humane animal practices and did not give in to the demands of the animal activist group HSUS. So, let us know your thoughts on this question. We appreciate it.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

ZimmPoll

Cellulosic Ethanol From Corn Kernels

Cindy Zimmerman

Researchers at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) recently announced the successful production of ethanol from the cellulosic portion of the corn kernel.

“This research is demonstrated proof of the viability of ‘generation 2.0 ethanol,’” NCERC Director John Caupert said. “By utilizing existing technologies readily available in the commercial marketplace, the Center was able to produce a biofuel that builds upon the strengths of conventional corn ethanol and the promise of cellulosic ethanol, thus making bolt-on cellulosic ethanol a reality.”

Caupert added that the potential for cellulosic ethanol has significant immediate and long-term impacts on the biofuels industry generally and the ethanol industry specifically. “Any of the 211 existing ethanol plants in the United States could be retrofitted with existing bolt-on technologies to produce cellulosic ethanol from corn without the need to build new facilities,” Caupert said. “This translates into opportunities for jobs and economic development, particularly in rural areas.”

On average, 8 to 9.5% of the corn kernel is fiber, of which about 5% is in the pericarp. NCERC Assistant Director of Biological Research Sabrina Trupia will be presenting more information about the new development at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop June 4-7 in Minneapolis.

The NCERC at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville is a nationally-recognized research center established through federal and state initiatives, with support from the Illinois and National Corn Growers associations, and dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels, specialty chemicals, and other renewable compounds.

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA, Research

State Tax Credit Helps Iowa Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel production in Iowa has remained strong during the first quarter of 2012 despite the expiration of the federal biodiesel tax credit. According to figures released by the Iowa Department of Revenue (DOR), 10 Iowa biodiesel plants produced 41.9 million gallons from January through March.Iowa RFA

In 2011, the Iowa Legislature enacted a short-term, modest biodiesel production tax credit to help Iowa’s biodiesel community compete against states that provide large biodiesel incentives. The Iowa program went into effect on January 1, 2012 – the same day the federal biodiesel program expired.

“Despite losing the federal tax credit, biodiesel production in Iowa remains on pace with 2011 production, although down from year-end levels,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “This is a clear sign that Iowa’s new biodiesel production tax credit is having a positive impact. With additional production set to come on line in Iowa, we hope to see these numbers increase throughout the year.

“We knew there would be a transition period in 2012 and it was important to give the 7,000-plus jobs tied to Iowa biodiesel production a chance to survive and thrive,” added Shaw. “The initial DOR biodiesel numbers are a sign Iowa is headed in the right direction. Tax credits are only earned if biodiesel is produced –meaning jobs are sustained and the economy is strengthened.”

A study released earlier this year by economist John Urbanchuk, technical director of Cardno ENTRIX, found that biodiesel production supported 7,350 Iowa jobs; boosted Iowa GDP by nearly $600 million and generated $350 million in additional Iowa household income.

For more details, read the complete study.
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Biodiesel, Iowa RFA, Production

Ethanol Plant Begins Operations in Mozambique

Joanna Schroeder

An integrated food, energy and forest business, CleanStar Mozambique, has gone online. Located in Dondo, the ethanol component of the facility will produce fuel from cassava, sourced from the local communities. The cooking fuel will be sold to residents of Maputo. American-based ICM, who has experience with food and fuel integrated biorefineries, helped to design and construct the plant. Last week, CleanStar held a ribbon cutting ceremony and representatives from ICM joined the biorefinery employees and community for a celebration.

Dave Vander Griend, CEO of ICM, attended to ceremony. “ICM is honored to be among the key partners involved in this historic milestone of launching the world’s first sustainable cooking fuel facility. The extraordinary level of commitment demonstrated by CleanStar Mozambique/CleanStar Ventures, Novozymes, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch made our decision easy when it came to supporting the project.”

The project had strong support because the biorefinery was designed to reduce poverty and environmental degradation and improve the health of families in Africa. Many in the country spend a large percentage of their income on purchasing charcoal to burn for fuel and burning charcoal causes health issues. A portion of the burden will be reduced because the fuel produced from biorefinergy will provide community members with a lower cost fuel.

The facility also provides a new income source for local farmers. The farmers will be able to sustainably grow the crops while the facility will produce fuel in a safe and sustainable method.

“Growing up on a farm, it was taught that wealth comes from the ground, crops are cultivated – nourishment is provided and the promise of agriculture is unleashed through producing more food and a stronger local economy,” continued Vander Griend. “We believe passionately in improving the health, wealth, and environment of the Mozambique people. Through unique collaborations like this, we can come together to improve African agriculture and potentially replicate this model throughout other developing countries in the world,” he concluded.

advanced biofuels, biofuels, Ethanol, International

Next Steps for E15

Joanna Schroeder

The Nebraska Corn Board recently hosted some meetings, sponsored by the Blend Your Own (BYO) ethanol campaign, to discuss the roll-out of E15. Nearly 75 people attended the meetings ranging from producers, fuel retailers and petroleum marketers to representatives of the ethanol and agricultural industries. Director of Market Development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Robert White, offered information on the next steps needed to bring E15 to pumps across the country.

“There is a lot of misinformation about E15 such as requirements for ethanol plants and fuel retailers that is coming from various sources. This meeting was necessary to get the right information to the right people,” said White. “We want to see E15 introduced legally and safely.”

Several requirements were put into place by the EPA before the fuel became legal this year. An E15 label had to be approved. A fuel survey had to be conducted. In addition, the ethanol industry, working with the fuel retail industry, was required to devise a misfueling mitigation plan as well as create a consumer education campaign designed to tell consumers what vehicles could safely use E15. These requirements were discussed as well as data on health effects and incentives available to assist retailers with the installation of E15 pumps.

Curt Friesen, District 3 Director on the Nebraska Corn Board, concluded, “It is crucial that all the necessary steps are taken before offering E15 at the pump. The Nebraska Corn Board is pleased to take a leading role in the introduction of E15 in Nebraska.”

biofuels, blends, Ethanol, RFA

Subcommittee Hears Support for Energy Programs

Cindy Zimmerman

The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry was urged to reauthorize Farm Bill energy programs and provide them with mandatory funding during a hearing on “Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Energy and Forestry Programs” on Friday.

“American agriculture is the key to the successful development and commercialization of clean, abundant, renewable, domestic energy and biobased products in this country, and the ‘core’ Farm Bill energy programs provide American farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to make it happen,” testified Ryan Stroschein, co-director of the Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC).

“Although relatively new, the Farm Bill energy programs already have had a tremendous positive impact on economic and job growth in rural America, and they can do so much more,” said Stroschein. “USDA estimates that the BCAP and Biorefinery Assistance programs alone have the potential to create more than 700,000 new jobs as a result of increased cellulosic feedstock production and the construction and operation of new biorefineries.”

National Biodiesel Board chairman Gary Haer with the Renewable Energy Group highlighted the biodiesel industry’s growth and diversity, pointing out that more than half of the lawmakers on the panel have at least one biodiesel production plant in their districts.

“NBB estimates that those plants and others like them across the country supported more than 39,000 jobs in all sectors of the U.S. economy in 2011,” Haer testified. “Most of the more than 200 biodiesel production facilities in the U.S. are located in rural areas, and a majority of the feedstock used to produce biodiesel is grown or originates in rural areas.”

Haer specifically called for the committee to continue funding for the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program and the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, programs that are critical to raising awareness of biodiesel and stimulating new production. The programs are succeeding, he noted, pointing out that they helped the industry produce a record of nearly 1.1 billion gallons of fuel last year.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, NBB

New Sorghum Renewables Program Director Named

John Duff has been named renewables program director for The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP).
Duff, a native of Levelland, Texas, has previously served as an intern for U.S. Representatives Randy Neugebauer and Kevin Brady, as well as with Combest, Sell and Associates. Duff also held an internship for USDA’s Economic Research Service where he managed data on a project examining the impacts of bilateral free trade agreements on agricultural trade.

Duff’s family farms near Levelland and remains involved in Levelland/Hockley County Ethanol LLC.

“Renewables have become a valuable sector of the sorghum industry,” said Bill Greving, USCP board member and chair of the Renewables Committee. “John’s leadership as renewables director will help create more opportunities for producers as this program moves forward. John will be a great asset to the Sorghum Checkoff as he brings with him a good deal of experience in working within the industry.”

biofuels, sorghum

Republicans Tell Military to Stop Buying Clean Energy

Joanna Schroeder

This week Republicans, led by Rep. Conaway, submitted a proposal that will prohibit the Defense Department from buying alternative fuels that cost more than traditional fuels. This has come at a time when the Defense Department is moving full speed ahead with the testing of renewable fuels in various military equipment including planes, boats, helicopters, and other military vehicles. The military is also researching the use of solar and wind energy and partnering with American companies to develop and deploy the technologies.

While it is true that in most cases advanced biofuels cost more per gallon than traditional petroleum based fuel, the only way to reduce the per gallon cost of advanced fuels is to bring them to market at commercial scale – something many groups are fighting tool and nail.  The same is true in reaching per watt parity with solar and wind energy.

In response to this proposed action, Operation Free sent a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee calling on Congress to support the military’s efforts as it leads the way in development of advanced biofuels and renewable energy. The organization criticized members of Congress who advocate for policies that have already proved to be failures. The letter states, “We must change how we use energy in this country — and the military is leading the way. ”

Danger Room’s Noah Shachtman summed up the ramifications of the proposal well, ” If the measure becomes law, it would make it all-but-impossible for the Pentagon to buy the renewable fuels. … And it might very well suffocate the gasping biofuel industry, which was looking to the Pentagon to help it survive.”

advanced biofuels, biofuels, Opinion, Solar, Wind