Grainnet

Indianapolis, IN--Hoping to capitalize upon the growing demand for biodiesel, the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) announced a new grant program for fuel terminals that are not currently blending soy biodiesel.

With only four of the state’s fuel terminals currently offering biodiesel, ISA’s Biofuels Director Mark Walters said Indiana’s soybean farmers want to help terminals convert their current facilities so they are able to blend soy biodiesel.

“Basically, we want to invest soybean checkoff funds to help a terminal convert their tanks and pumps to be able to blend biodiesel and sell it,” said Walters.

“If a terminal is willing to make a commitment to sell biodiesel for a certain period of time, we want to help make that happen.”

Terminal operators interested in the grant program should call the ISA office at 317-347-3620 as soon as possible because funds are limited and the program ends September 30, 2007.

In addition to helping terminals convert their equipment for biodiesel, Walters said ISA will also help market the biodiesel that is produced.

“We have an ongoing relationship with fuel retailers in the state that are looking for new sources of biodiesel,” explained Walters.

Indiana is home to the world’s largest integrated soybean-based biodiesel plant, which opened earlier this month in Claypool, IN. ]

Built and operated by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, the soybean processing and biofuels plant catapulted Indiana to being one of the premier states in the country in terms of biodiesel production.

“All of this activity means not only a reduction in dependence upon foreign sources of oil for Indiana citizens, but an increase in economic activity and jobs in the state,” said Walters.

“If there is a way for Indiana soybean farmers to make a positive impact on the state’s economy, they will find a way to do it.”

For more information, call 317-347-3620.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• Indiana Soybean Association

more GRAIN NEWS...