CARGILL & MISSOURI SOYBEAN FARMERS ANNOUNCE PLANS
TO PUT UP THE STATE'S LARGEST BIODIESEL FACILITY IN KANSAS CITY

Dale R. Ludwig, executive director/CEO of Missouri Soybean Association, invites Paseo Biofuels, LLC,
Chairman David Durham to address a large crowd outside the Cargill Soybean Crushing Facility in
Kansas City, Mo., along with U.S. Senator Jim Talent and Cargill representatives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 9, 2006
Contacts: Haley Wansing, MSA, 573-635-3819, hwansing@mosoy.org
David Feider, Cargill, 952-742-6910, david_feider@cargill.com

KANSAS CITY – Cargill and Missouri soybean farmers today announced plans for a 40-million gallon-per-year biodiesel plant and 30-million-pound food-grade glycerin refinery adjacent to Cargill’s existing soybean processing facility in Kansas City. Plans call for the facility to be jointly owned by Cargill and Paseo Biofuels, LLC, a new entity to be formed by Missouri soybean farmers. Pending regulatory and other approvals, construction on the facility is planned to start this fall, with biodiesel production projected to commence in the summer of 2007.

This week, Paseo Biofuels begins a statewide, $24 million equity drive that would make the facility majority-owned by Missouri soybean farmers. This is the largest biodiesel initiative currently proposed in Missouri and will be designed to meet the requirements for BQ-9000 Accredited Producer certification, the highest-level quality standard. The facility would use soybean oil as the primary feedstock. The glycerin refinery would produce USP-grade 99.7% purity, kosher-certified glycerin. It is expected that Cargill would provide a variety of services, pending final negotiations.

“ This is a great opportunity for producers to get involved in adding value to their crops and farms,” stated David Durham, board chairman of Paseo Biofuels, LLC. “By partnering with Cargill, one of the world's leading food and agricultural companies, we hope to utilize its technical and marketing expertise. Such teamwork would build long-term security in the rapidly changing biodiesel industry.”

“ We are grateful for the efforts of the Missouri producers, who have worked to put this anticipated venture together so quickly,” said Roger Watchorn, general manager of Cargill’s Southwest soybean processing businesses.
Missouri’s federal and state legislative teams have placed it as a frontrunner in the biodiesel industry. The state continues to incorporate renewable fuels into its energy mix with the goal of reducing dependence on foreign oil and adding to the domestic supply of fuel. Tax incentives have been established for biodiesel blenders, some of which are suppliers for many state vehicles and school bus fleets. More than 50 percent of Missouri farmers use biodiesel in their operations as a way to add value to their commodity.

“ The addition of this biodiesel production plant would give Missouri soybean farmers another opportunity to play a large part in the industry as both suppliers and investors,” said Dale R. Ludwig, MSA executive director and CEO. “Missouri has a great group of legislators who understand the importance of renewable fuels like biodiesel and have helped create and pass bills which will help American farmers fuel the nation.”

Cargill currently operates biodiesel plants in North America and Europe. “Combining Cargill’s expertise in renewables, processing, logistics and risk management with Missouri producers as our strategic partners will allow us to maximize value for all of our shareholders, while successfully integrating the additional soybean oil resulting from our previously announced expanded crush capacity in Kansas City,” said Wayne Teddy, president of Cargill’s Grain and Oilseed Supply Chain-North America business.

About Cargill:
Cargill Grain & Oilseeds Supply Chain-North America is a business unit of Cargill, Incorporated. In Missouri, Cargill has 1,063 employees in seven businesses located in 13 communities across the state. In North America, Cargill’s grain and oilseed business operates 17 oilseed processing facilities. Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 149,000 employees in 63 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.

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© Missouri Soybean Programs
PO Box 104778
3337 Emerald Lane
Jefferson City, MO 65110
Phone: (573) 635-3819
Fax: (573) 635-5122
email: mosoy@mosoy.org