The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) has allocated nearly $3.4 million to enhance the distribution and use of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends across Missouri. The funding supports construction, installation, upgrades, and retrofitting of fuel dispensers, storage tanks, and related infrastructure within the state.

“We’re proud to collaborate with Missouri Soybean and Missouri Corn to expand biofuel availability,” said Jill Wood, MASBDA’s Executive Director. “These initiatives drive demand for Missouri’s key commodities, benefiting growers and offering more choices to consumers.”

Mark Lehenbauer, Chair of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, emphasized the significance of biodiesel as a renewable, locally produced fuel that bolsters soybean farmers while providing additional options for suppliers and fleets. “This program is critical for creating new demand for biodiesel, enhancing access, and stimulating economic growth in Missouri,” he stated.

Several initiatives across Missouri have received funding to expand access to biodiesel blends (B6 or higher), promoting renewable energy adoption and supporting local agriculture. These projects include upgrades and infrastructure enhancements at locations such as MFA Oil Company in Palmyra, Dhanya & Tashka, LLC in Arnold, TA Operating, LLC in Concordia and Oak Grove, Scotland County Government in Memphis, SAIA, Inc. in St. Peters, Wortman-Fortner, LLC in Washington, and Narayan, LLC and Kalki, LLC, both in Hillsboro. This investment is a significant step toward increasing the availability of sustainable fuel options statewide.

The initiative also focuses on expanding access to ethanol blends such as E15 and E85, with funding provided to several projects across Missouri. These include Scrivener Oil Company in Ozark, InConvenience Inc. with locations in Burlington Junction, Fairfax, and Tarkio, Dhanya & Tashka, LLC in Arnold, Nena Albany, LLC in Albany, and Kalki, LLC and Narayan, LLC, both in Hillsboro. This funding aims to enhance biofuel infrastructure, offering more sustainable fuel options for consumers while supporting Missouri’s agricultural sector.

Missouri Corn Growers Association President Matt Lambert, a corn farmer from Laclede, highlighted the success of securing Biofuels Infrastructure Incentive Program (BIIP) funding despite legislative challenges. “This achievement reflects Missouri agriculture’s value to the state economy. Expanding biofuel retail options strengthens markets for farmers and offers cost-effective fuel choices to drivers,” Lambert noted.

The funding, made available by the Missouri General Assembly, is set to boost biofuel adoption, benefiting farmers, suppliers, and consumers. By enhancing infrastructure and increasing access to biofuels like biodiesel and ethanol, the state continues to support renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.