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MSA CITES KEY AGRICULTURAL PROPOSALS IN BLUNT'S STATE OF STATE ADDRESS For Immediate Release: January 25, 2007 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., January 25, 2007 - Agricultural proposals covered in Governor Matt Blunt’s State of the State address yesterday drew highly-lauded praise from the Missouri Soybean Association (MSA). “Missouri agriculture as a whole is positioned to experience its most explosive growth in the next few years, and Governor Blunt continues to be a key supporter in making Missouri a national agricultural leader both within industry innovation as well as production support,” said Dale R. Ludwig, executive director/CEO of the Missouri Soybean Programs. In his address, Blunt recommended $28.5 million for the Missouri Qualified Biodiesel Producer Incentive Fund to support biodiesel production payments, bringing total funding to $33.8 million. The fund, formed in 2002 and administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is used to encourage biodiesel production in Missouri to benefit in-state soybean producers and fuel consumers. Blunt also proposed $35.7 million to fully fund the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund, directing its board to use the funds for research in biofuels, plant sciences, and animal health and nutrition only. The Governor’s directive maintains fund goals of supporting life science research to better serve the health and welfare of Missouri citizens as well as continuing to make the state of Missouri a life science research and development center. Ludwig is encouraged to look beyond the stated address. “The emphasis
on biofuels was not surprising to me as Governor Blunt has been a longtime
supporter and visionary in this area. Such clear state support of biofuels
makes me confident of MSA’s work in trying to get the B5 standard
passed.” The legislation for that standard (SB 204) is sponsored
by Senator Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) and would require all diesel fuel
sold in the state of Missouri on or after January 1, 2009, to contain
a minimum of five percent biodiesel. The standard would be waived in
the event that the price of biodiesel exceeds the price of petroleum-based
diesel fuel. Warren Stemme, MSA president, said “Matt Blunt understands Missouri
agriculture. By supporting the Farm and Food Preservation Act, this Governor
has proven he is committed to strengthening the economy as well as the
environment.” The Missouri Soybean Association and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising
Council are located in Jefferson City, Mo. The MSA is an organization
of members whose purpose is to positively impact legislative and
policy issues affecting Missouri soybean producers. The MSMC is comprised
of 13 farmer-volunteers who were elected to oversee the investment
of soybean checkoff dollars. # # # |
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© Missouri Soybean Programs |