Zeons Corporation (ZEON)

[hoppylad]

biofuel related DD: Americans support biofuels, survey shows November 2, 2006
RICHMOND—Americans are looking for and supporting new alternative fuels, including biofuels, according to survey findings released by the Biotechnology Industry Organization. According to those findings, four in five U.S. adults (80 percent) strongly or somewhat agree that national and state governments are not doing enough to promote the production of biofuels.

The survey also found that 82 percent of adults say national and state governments should provide financial incentives to biofuel producers to encourage production and availability. More than two out of three adults surveyed said they would use American-made biofuels even if those fuels cost slightly more than conventional gasoline. And more than 84 percent said they would be at least somewhat likely to support federal and state political candidates who favor providing incentives to promote increased production and availability of biofuels throughout the United States.

“This is a trend we are seeing all over the country,” said Bill Beukema, biodiesel general manager for SoyMor, at the 2006 Virginia Agriculture Summit last month. “I think it is vitally important to the American public to end the reliance on foreign oil. This is very important for us as a nation, not only economically, but environmentally.” His Oct. 19 presentation showed producers how biofuels are making a difference in the future of the agriculture industry.

SoyMor is a cooperative of soybean farmers from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa who are supplying naturally processed soy-based products directly from their farms to retailers and consumers.

Fifty-seven percent of adults surveyed were able to correctly define biofuels as fuel made from agricultural crops or plant matter.

“Every year we are making advancements in biotechnology,” Beukema added. “With this research biofuels could help to meet nearly half of the transportation needs of Americans in 30 to 40 years.”

Contact Beukema at 507-448-0124 or Sherri McKinney, VFBF video producer, at 804-290-1148.

http://www.vafb.com/news/2006/nov/110206_2.htm