FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monte, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2009

Louis Dreyfus Commodities Begins Production at

Ethanol Plant Near Grand Junction

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) congratulates Louis Dreyfus Commodities for beginning production at its ethanol plant located near Grand Junction. The new plant will produce 100 million gallons of ethanol and 300,000 tons of distillers grains annually.

“Thanks to the fortitude of companies like Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Iowa’s ethanol industry continues to move forward,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “I can’t predict the future, but there is a sense that a corner has been turned away from the difficult ending of 2008.  This new biorefinery creates green collar jobs and provides an attractive market for local farmers.  That is what the ethanol industry has been about since day one and that won’t change.”

Jay Nelson of Louis Dreyfus Commodities stated: “We appreciate all the support we have received from our state, county and local partners in Iowa. Local partnerships have always been of paramount importance to Louis Dreyfus over the course of our 150-plus year history. We look forward to being an active part of the community for many years to come.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 40 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.3 billion gallons annually.  Three ethanol refineries under construction will add nearly 500 million gallons of capacity.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at:  www.IowaRFA.org.