Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: January 16, 2008

Department of Agriculture Applauds Gov. Blunt’s Commitment to Agriculture

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Gov. Matt Blunt furthered the future of Missouri agriculture in his State of the State address urging the General Assembly to create a B-5 standard and fully fund ethanol and biodiesel incentives. The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) applauds Gov. Blunt’s commitment to Missouri’s agricultural industry by initiating a move that would make Missouri a leading state with the passing of a B-5 standard that will further reduce our dependency on foreign oil and help protect our environment. The governor’s recent announcements this month will also further expand dairy operations, bring new farmers together with experienced farmers and support Missouri’s Port Authority infrastructure.

“Missouri agriculture continues to be a driver of our state’s economy. Gov. Blunt’s leadership and support is important to our farm families and agribusiness leaders,” said Katie Smith, director of MDA. “Demonstrating his continued commitment to agriculture, Gov. Blunt has announced many important initiatives that will provide positive change for Missouri farmers, our economy, and will help secure the future of agriculture in our state.”

Gov. Blunt is calling for approval of legislation creating a five percent biodiesel-blended fuel standard which would require the use of fuel made from Missouri soybeans. Through this initiative, Missourians will have more opportunities to support a renewable fuel product that will boost the state’s economy, support Missouri farm families, reduce carbon monoxide emissions and improve air quality.

Gov. Blunt announced his plan to expand Missouri dairy farms this month at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture by establishing Dairy Parlor Renovation Grants. These grants totaling $200,000 will help producers at older dairies with the costs of renovations for more efficient milking operations, allowing dairy producers to grow their herds.

Gov. Blunt also announced his plan this month to establish the Farm Legacy Exchange Program to help keep Missouri’s farming industry strong for future generations. With succession planning, the Farm Legacy Exchange Program will match beginning farmers with experienced farmers to help form a working relationship and strategy to transition farming responsibilities and designated assets from existing farmers to beginning farmers.

“The new Farm Legacy Exchange Program will help young farmers address the rising cost of production land through collaboration with experienced farmers considering phasing out their operations. We must continue to look for ways to transition farming into the next generation,” said Smith. “This program will allow experienced farmers to slowly transition their life’s work into the hands of an upcoming farmer.”

Gov. Blunt continues to support the Missouri’s Port Authorities by recommending $4 million in new funding for capital improvement projects supporting infrastructure that is critical to growing Missouri’s agriculture needs. Stating that Missouri agriculture is directly affected by state’s upstream, these new funds will allow for improvements at seven Missouri Port Authorities.

“As we enter a new year for Missouri agriculture, the new initiatives outlined by Gov. Blunt will allow for further growth for Missouri farm families and our state’s economy,” said Smith.

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