By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has welcomed the announcement regarding the planned reopening of Chevron's biodiesel facility in Ralston, Iowa, calling it an encouraging development for soybean farmers and the state's agricultural economy.
ISA President Lee Brooke highlighted the importance of the facility in creating additional demand for locally grown soybeans and supporting Iowa's renewable fuel industry.
“The intended reopening of the Ralston biodiesel plant is welcome news for Iowa farmers, and another positive step toward strengthening domestic markets for Iowa-grown soybeans. Iowa farmers benefit when locally-produced soybeans are processed into value-added products that support our state’s biofuels industry and the broader ag economy," Brooke said.
"Landus Cooperative’s Ralston facility plays an important role in this effort, creating demand for more than 28 million bushels of soybeans annually for farmers and producing high-quality bypass protein meal for the dairy industry. We must continue to support strong, consistent biofuels policies that provide the certainty producers need to invest, operate and grow. Maintaining policies that encourage renewable fuel production is essential to building long-term demand for soybeans and strengthening farm profitability,” Brooke added.
Biomass-based diesel remains an important market for Iowa soybeans, contributing to farm income, soybean prices, and rural economic growth. Iowa leads the nation in biodiesel and soybean oil production, processing approximately 85% of its soybean crop locally.
ISA continues supporting soybean production, expanding domestic and international markets, developing new biofuel applications, and advocating for policies that strengthen renewable fuel production and consumption.
Photo Credit: iowa-soybean-association
Categories: Iowa, Business, Crops, Soybeans, General