As I told you a couple of weeks ago, the European Union for some time has been threatening to slap tariffs on American biodiesel coming into Europe… barring some deal today to derail the measures.
Well, this story from Reuters says that there was no last-minute reprieve and the duties are set to hit on March 13th:
The EU firms accuse U.S. producers of being involved in a “splash and dash” scheme, whereby they import cheaper biodiesel from countries such as Brazil and add less than 5 percent of U.S. diesel. The producers then qualify for a subsidy from Washington before exporting it to Europe.
From March 13, U.S. firms exporting biodiesel into the EU will have to pay additional tariffs for an initial six months, ranging from 26 euros ($32.88) to 41 euros per 100 kg…
After six months, the executive European Commission must decide whether to propose definitive duties, which normally last five years. Definitive duties must be approved by EU governments to enter into force…
The temporary duties will make it hard for U.S. biodiesel to compete in the European market, said Manning Feraci, a vice-president with the U.S. National Biodiesel Board.
But for the duties to stick, the Commission will need to find that U.S. imports have harmed producers, Feraci said.
“This simply is not the case,” Feraci said, noting some European producers are doing well, while others have been hurt by factors unrelated to U.S. imports, he said.
You and I both know this is not the last we’ll hear about this. Stay tuned…
Ethanol debuted on the fashion runway last year…as a pair of jeans. Yes, jeans. Fashion meets environment with these stylish jeans that are made from cotton grown with less pesticides and sold in recycled packaging.
about the clothing line nor the programs that are supported through the purchase of the jeans. I tried contacting the organization but as of press time, haven’t heard anything back.
Blodgett Oil Company recently entered a competition to see if their painted “E85 Tractor” entry could win as the “sexiest tractor” at a local Red Cross Tractor Races Fundraiser. 
About twenty tractors were entered in the competition. During the race, the tractors were moved along a board game like space in a large banquet room, with the attendee’s betting on who will win the race. Whoever had the most bets, won the race. Attendees also betted on the “Sexiest Tractor”. 
“2008 really was a banner year for the industry,” said Sloan. She anticipates that 2009 won’t be as big of a year due to the economic situation but does see a bright future going forward citing the provisions in the stimulus package. 
Manhattan, KS looked more like Manhattan, NY yesterday as cars were lined up to get E85 for just 85 cents a gallon and E10 for only a dollar, plus a free lunch at the Manhattan Farmers Cooperative Association.
“We were very happy with the event. Many students learned of the opportunity via Facebook and email, and this is exactly what this contest is about, educating students where they spend there time – online,” reported Robert White, Director of Market Development for the RFA.
Vice President Joe Biden might be known a bit for saying some crazy things, but his latest pronouncement… that some green jobs could pay as much as $50 an hour (see 
As you might remember from our multiple posts back in October and December , Farm Foundation has been hosting a series of meetings that add some important talk about the issues surrounding biofuels (just search “Farm Foundation” on this Web site to get an idea of some of the discussion). At the end of this month, the organization will be hosting another conference in that same vein.
“It is a real honor to have your colleagues pay tribute to you in that way,” said Brinkmann, who was surprised with the award at ASA’s banquet Friday night at the Commodity Classic in Grapevine, Texas. “Usually getting a new product to market takes longer than it has for biodiesel. During my time serving ASA on NBB’s board, there have been lots of challenges, lots of successes, and lots of fun.” The Commodity Classic is an annual agricultural trade show and convention.
Renewable fuels were a major topic of discussion throughout the week-long conference and were addressed during the general session on Friday. Emcee Mark Mayfield (left) talked with each of them – National Sorghum Producers chairman Toby Bostwick, National Association of Wheat Growers president David Cleavinger, National Corn Growers Association president Bob Dickey, and American Soybean Association president Johnny Dodson.