Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri wraps first year of partnerships

The Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri’s first year saw its partnership and outreach efforts grow throughout the state. During its December meeting, the coalition’s board of directors heard from members on joint efforts to support training programs and connect with youth on opportunities surrounding biodiesel, and to set the course for 2019.

“Coming together as the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri has laid the groundwork for us to reach farther, faster,” said James Greer, vice president of supply and government affairs for MFA Oil Co. Greer was elected as the coalition’s chairman for 2019. “Growing our production and use of biodiesel in Missouri benefits everyone involved—from our rural communities to our population centers—economically and environmentally,” Greer said.

The coalition and its partners are working directly with Missouri farmers to highlight biodiesel’s benefits to their bottom line. In addition to hosting lunch-and-learn events for growers around the state, the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council partnered to connect attendees at the Missouri Association of Counties annual meeting with the economic impact biodiesel brings to the Show-Me State.

In early 2019, the coalition will take part in the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and Missouri Pork Expo, highlighting the environmental benefits of biodiesel as well as the cost savings the biodiesel industry has created for livestock producers.

In addition to electing Greer chairman during its board of directors meeting in Columbia, the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri members elected Cliff Smith of Mid-America Biofuels in Mexico, Missouri, as vice chairman; Neal Bredehoeft, a farmer from Alma, Missouri, as secretary; and Gary Wheeler of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Association in Jefferson City, Missouri, as treasurer. Tony Stafford continues his service as the coalition’s executive director.

The coalition, founded in April to focus on the use of clean, renewable biodiesel fuel made in Missouri, brings together each step of the value chain to drive growth. To learn more about the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, its founders and the opportunities ahead, visit missouribiodiesel.org.