The Missouri Renewable Fuels Association (MoRFA) is running some very simple but provocative print ads in the “Show Me State” to show the importance of ethanol. MoRFA is a partnership between the Missouri Corn Growers Association and the state’s six farmer-owned ethanol plants.
This one is my favorite, but there are two others that focus on distillers grains and small engines. MoRFA is attempting to reach out to consumers – as well as state lawmakers – with an informational campaign to address common misconceptions and promote the benefits of ethanol. They have also unveiled a new website that contains research and information about ethanol, links to other renewable fuel articles and an overview of the state’s farmer-owned biorefineries.
This is pretty critical right now during the Missouri legislative session as a bill is being considered that would repeal the 10 percent ethanol mandate, which took effect January 1. MoRFA is working hard to point out the importance of ethanol to Missouri’s economy.
“According to a recent study by the Senate Appropriations Committee, a typical ethanol plant will maintain 928 Missouri jobs, provide $30.7 million in Missouri employment income, create $59.3 million annually in value-added income to Missouri’s economy and generate $130 million in economic activity in our state,” said Gene Millard, MoRFA president and chairman of Golden Triangle Energy Cooperative in Craig, Mo. “Those numbers translate to real lives, real jobs and real growth.”
If Missouri lawmakers are like Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character in “Jerry Maguire” shouting “Show me the money!” – those numbers really should do the job.