9/10/02

By CAROL KINSLEY

Television commercials promoting the benefits of soy biodiesel fuel will be broadcast throughout the month of September on two regional television stations, WBOC-TV in Salisbury, Md., and KYW-TV in Philadelphia, Pa. They’re being funded, in part, by the Delaware Department of Agriculutre and the Delaware Soybean Board. The United Soybean board is picking up one-third of the cost of the $45,000 ad campaign.
Gov. Ruth Ann Minner appears in a typical ad, telling viewers that more than 200 fleets nationwide use biodiesel. “That includes state and business fleets right here in Delaware, like DelDot and Conectiv Power delivery.
“Biodiesel helps clean up our air and reduces our dependence on foreign oil, letting us all breathe a little easier.”
Minner concludes, “Join me and Delaware soybean farmers in supporting biodiesel for a more “livable Delaware.”
Soy biodiesel is a clean, safe, sustainable fuel made from soybeans. The fuel helps reduce the public health risks associated with air pollution by reducing harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel available that can be used directly in any existing, unmodified diesel engine.
The commercials can be seen during the early, noon and evening local news programs with additional commercials on the early local weekend news.
“Soydiesel is great,” said Jeffrey Allen of Seaford, new member of the Delaware Soybean Board. “All farmers need to look into soydiesel and give more attention to it for the simple reason of the world situation. With a war in the Middle East, our access to oil supply would be limited, therefore we have to seek alternatives.”
More than 200 major fleets around the country presently use soy biodiesel. The Delaware Soybean Board, representing all soybean farmers in the state, has provided fuel rebate programs to DelDOT and Conectiv Power Deliver to encourage them to use the fuel.
“The commercials are being broadcast to increase consumer awareness about soy biodiesel and the contributions the fuel can make to improving our environment and reducing our countryís dependence on foreign oil,” said Michael F. Scuse, Delaware secretary of agriculture. “Soy biodiesel can provide significant environmental and agricultural benefits to our region. The Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Soybean Board are committed to promoting the use of soy biodiesel as a reliable, affordable energy source, made from soybeans,” he said.
The Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel Exploratory Committee, created at the Minner’s request, has explored the potential of creating a biodiesel manufacturing company in the area and is in the process of raising money for a feasibility study. The feasibility study will define the market and feedstocks, determine the cost of building and estimate how many gallons can be sold at what price. Assuming positive results, the next step would be business plan development.
Potential investors may contact Marty Ross by telephone at (302) 875-7100; fax, (302) 875-7626; e-mail, rossfarms@aol.com; or by writing to Ross Farms Inc., 12764 Whitesville Road, Delmar, Del. 19940.
For more information regarding soy biodiesel’s health and environmental benefits, contact Melanie Rapp, marketing specialist at the Delaware Department of Agriculture at (302) 598-4522 or in Delaware at (800) 282-8685 or by e-mail at Melanie.Rapp@state.de.us