Contact:
J.P. Dunn, MSA, 573-635-3819, jpdunn@mosoy.org
David Feider, Cargill, 952-742-6910, david_feider@cargill.com
Paseo Biofuels holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new biodiesel plant
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Investors in Paseo Biofuels, LLC, joined the Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) and officials from Cargill today to celebrate the completion of major construction on the Paseo-Cargill Energy biodiesel plant near the Paseo Bridge in Kansas City, Mo. More than 300 members of the majority farmer-owned operation and guests witnessed a ribbon-cutting ceremony and participated in the group’s first annual meeting. The new facility is expected to begin production in the next month.
Using soybean oil as its primary feedstock, the facility will have a production capacity of 40 million gallons of biodiesel and 30 million pounds of food-grade glycerin annually. Wednesday’s event is the culmination of an effort that began in 2006 with an equity drive in which more than 650 agricultural producers in Missouri purchased shares in Paseo Biofuels, LLC, which formed a joint venture with Cargill to help make the new facility a reality.
“Missouri soybean farmers took the lead in biodiesel research over a decade ago with their very own checkoff dollars,” said Dale R. Ludwig, MSA executive director and CEO. “Since that initial investment, these producers have contributed to the goal of furthering biodiesel production here in Missouri with the help of a great team of legislators. New production facilities such as Paseo-Cargill Energy are helping push Missouri to the forefront of the nation’s renewable fuels industry.”
“We are pleased to partner with Missouri producers in a way that will help us maximize value for all of our shareholders,” said Roger Watchorn, general manager of Cargill’s Southwest soybean processing business. The growth of biofuels represents a tremendous opportunity for soybean producers and a natural extension of Cargill’s existing soybean processing investments in Kansas City.”
More than 50 percent of Missouri soybean farmers use biodiesel in their operations, and many major transportation fleets use it commercially.
“The Paseo-Cargill Energy biodiesel plant would not be possible without the commitment from Missouri farmers, Cargill and support from our elected officials,” said Dave Durham, board chairman of Paseo Biofuels, LLC. “This plant will help further Missouri’s status as a biofuels production leader.”
About the Missouri Soybean Association:
The Missouri Soybean Association (www.mosoy.org) is a membership organization comprised of more than 1,700 soybean farmers from across the state. The purpose of MSA is to communicate challenges facing farmers and rural Missouri to legislators at both the state and national level. The MSA is directed by a volunteer board of 16 farmer leaders.
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 158,000 employees in 66 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.