Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, right, shakes the hand of former Maryland Secy. of Agriculture Lewis R. Riley, left, while Delaware Secy. of Agriculture Michael Scuse looks on at the biodiesel plant groundbreaking. The plant will consume soybean oil grown by both Maryland and Delaware soybean farmers.

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Marty Ross

Governor Ruth Ann Minner

Cuts Ribbon

on Biodiesel Plant

Biodiesel Fuel to be Produced in Clayton

(Clayton) - Del. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner cut the ribbon on the Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel, Inc. plant Sept. 29, 2006.

Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel is expected to produce 6 million gallons per year when it reaches capacity, company officials say.

Much of the soybean oil used to create the biodiesel will come from Delmarva soybeans, said Marty Ross, president of Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel. "In five years, if growth occurs as expected, Delmarva farmers will be very happy campers," he added.

The limiting factor for Mid-Atlantic soybean margins has been what to do with the oil, Ross added. "The region is meal short because of all the animal ag production. By increasing oil usage, local crushers can increase crush, which will help with basis."

Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel has a marketing agreement for all of its production with a brokerage company which in turn wholesales biodiesel to fuel distributors in the region. Essentially, Delaware farmers who use biodiesel blends could be "burning their own beans" when the facility starts producing.

On September 20, 2004, Governor Ruth Ann Minner held the groundbreaking ceremony for a biodiesel manufacturing facility to be built in Clayton, Delaware by Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel, Inc. The facility will be the first in the state to manufacture the alternative fuel made from soybeans.

“My administration is committed to energy programs that support my Livable Delaware initiative, and biodiesel fuel provides important contributions to the quality of life we enjoy here in Delaware,” said Governor Minner. “As a replacement for petroleum diesel, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, improving the air that we breathe,” she said.

“As a renewable energy source, biodiesel will decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and increase our energy security,” continued Governor Minner. “With volatile fuel prices and instability in the Middle East, supporting a home-grown alternative fuel, like biodiesel, is the right thing to do,” she said.

Biodiesel fuel represents the fastest growing renewable fuel in America. It is the only alternative fuel to have successfully completed the Health Effects Testing Requirements of the federal Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modifications.

According to Michael Scuse, Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture, the biodiesel manufacturing plant will provide important economic benefits to Delaware. “Additional jobs will be created to operate and manage the production facility,” said Secretary Scuse. “Delaware’s soybean industry will also ultimately benefit by increasing the demand for soybeans and higher commodity prices,” he said.

The ceremony was the culmination of years of energy initiatives by the Minner administration. In 2002 Governor Minner issued Executive Order #31 creating the Delaware Energy Task Force and the Alternative Fuels Working Group, which addressed the state’s energy challenges, including alternative transportation fuels. State of Delaware fleets, including DelDOT, currently use biodiesel to fuel their diesel trucks and equipment. Biodiesel is now available commercially at some public fueling stations in Delaware and through several fuel providers throughout the state. The fuel was evaluated in Delaware school buses and tested as a heating fuel replacement in a school in Middletown. The governor has provided her support of research, education, and promotional programs, partnering with Delaware’s soybean growers and the Delaware Department of Agriculture, to encourage public and private fleets, farmers, and individuals to use the fuel. She was honored by the National Biodiesel Board, the American Soybean Association, and the Delaware Soybean Board for her broad-reaching initiatives to increase the use and availability of the fuel in the state.

Speaking on behalf of Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel, Marty Ross, President of the company, thanked Governor Minner for her leadership in support of biodiesel. “Without your commitment to this project, I don’t believe the facility would be possible,” said Mr. Ross. “Our biodiesel’s marketing potential is excellent, and we have secured a commitment from a company eager to purchase our production,” he said.

For more information on biodiesel fuel and the Delaware Soybean Board, contact Jeff Allen.