By SARAH B. AUBREY
Indiana Correspondent ALEXANDRIA, Ind. — Calling for what he hopes will be a “renewable fuels revolution,” Jeff Broin – CEO of POET, the world’s largest ethanol producer – reminded a standing-room-only crowd, “Of every dollar spent in the grocery store, less than 20 cents goes to the farmer.”
Broin spoke as the finale in a lineup of nine speakers and entertainers Thursday during the ceremonies for POET’s latest ethanol plant opening. The Sioux Falls, S.D.-based company now has 23 ethanol plants with four more in development. With the addition of the 60 million-gallon plant near Alexandria, Indiana is home to seven ethanol plants.
Officials estimate this plant will use 80 million bushels of corn annually. According to Ken Klemme, deputy director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the economic impact of such plants is felt throughout the community for both farmers and other residents. “Typically, these types of plants will add five to 10 cents basis to the corn price and will also employ around 40 full-time people with good-paying jobs,” he said.
“This is a magnificent step into the 21st century,” began Jack Woods, mayor of Alexandria.
“We are witnessing the future of alternative fuels,” he said, adding that POET’s new plant will add to the quality of life for area residents.
“Today is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the success of this development,” said Chris Novak, executive director of the Indiana Corn Growers Assoc.
State Director of Agriculture Andy Miller began his remarks by reminding the audience that he, too, is a farm kid from a small Indiana town and called events such as the POET plant opening the “exciting days” of his job. Thanking the Broin family and POET, he said, “We are seeing a time when small towns and rural communities are seeing new life.”
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman also took the podium. “We are so proud of our ability to produce Hoosier homegrown energy,” she said, calling events like the plant opening “how we measure our state’s economic comeback.”
While the sun was shining and many farmers may have opted to get into the fields rather than attend, the crowd – estimated at well over 1,000 visitors – were treated to several special events, including plant tours, live music, a gift bag from POET and a free lunch. Plant workers were individually introduced to the audience.
Another highlight included a flyover by the Vanguard Squadron’s four 100 percent ethanol-powered planes. The aerobatic fleet is sponsored by POET and travels the country demonstrating the power of ethanol to a variety of audiences.
POET planned to begin actual operations with corn on April 22, with ethanol and distillers grains estimated available by the first week of May. To learn more, visit www.poetenergy.com/alexandria
This farm news was published in the April 23, 2008 issue of the Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. |
