Farmers encourage Minnesotans to think clean air, think biodiesel

Minnesota soybean farmers are launching a biodiesel clean air advertising campaign illustrating how soy-based biodiesel improves air quality by reducing harmful emissions from vehicles.

“We want to open the consumer’s eyes to the reality of emissions from vehicles that run on petroleum,” said Bill Zurn,  a Becker County farmer and Minnesota Soybean New Uses Action Team chair. “In fact, vehicle emissions are the largest source of air pollution in Minnesota. There is a positive message here in the use of alternative fuels.”

The campaign includes a television spot (www.youtube.com/MinnesotaSoybean) that is airing on local broadcast and cable TV, along with online and social media ads, all beginning Jan. 22.

Biodiesel is recognized as an advanced biofuel by the U.S. EPA because it is a renewable fuel that cuts lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent. In addition, biodiesel displaces fossil fuels, increasing energy security and supporting local economies. Minnesota has been a leader in production and use of biodiesel, being the first state to require biodiesel in all diesel fuel. The percentage of biodiesel in diesel fuel sold in the state will double from the current 5 percent to a 10 percent blend on July 1.

“Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel that’s made in Minnesota,” said Bob Moffitt, communications director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota (ALAMN). “We recognize biodiesel as a Clean Air Choice because of its ability to significantly reduce tailpipe emissions and help lessen our exposure to air pollutants. Not only does using biodiesel reduce particulate emissions, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”

Produced right here in Minnesota, biodiesel can:

-Provide employment opportunities for 5,668 jobs.

-Create an annual output impact of $928 million.

-Increase demand for Minnesota’s soybean crop by 13 percent annually.

-Increase in-state soybean processing capacity by 31 percent.

During its biodiesel campaign, Minnesota Soybean is offering a “North Shore Clean Air Adventure” to Duluth, Minn.  Duluth is one of the top 25 cleanest U.S. cities for year-round particle pollution according to American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air Report (www.stateoftheair.org). The adventure includes a three-night stay in Duluth, along with $500 spending money. Visit www.biodiesel.mn for more information on the benefits of biodiesel, or to sign up for the sweepstakes.

About Minnesota Soybean

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of approximately 25,000 farmers in Minnesota. The council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.