Soy Energy, Inc. of New Oxford, Adams County, that turns soybeans into soy oil used in a diesel biofuel, this week joined the Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred Program

"With the dramatic increase in fuel costs, companies are aggressively seeking new technologies to help them lower their dependence on fossil fuels," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "Soy Energy is one example of a Pennsylvania firm working to meet this objective, while recognizing the need to protect the environment."

The work of Soy Energy is of particular interest to Pennsylvania's soybean growers. The company buys, sells or trades almost 1.5 million bushels of soybeans each year. Of this total, 89 percent comes from Pennsylvania growers.

"This soybean mixture is cheaper than straight diesel," said Rep. Armstrong (R-Lancaster). "And using bio-fuel is a step away from dependency on foreign oil that will also benefit our farming community."

“The Alternative Fuels Renewable Energies Council is extremely pleased to be an important connective element between energy and agriculture,” said Rosemary McAvoy, AFREC CEO. “Since its inception, we have believed that our council members' products would be a catalyst for a resurgence in manufacturing in Pennsylvania. We look forward to working with the Department of Agriculture to discover more energy resources from by-products. We are excited about the opportunity to help launch new companies and products that have the potential to boost the state's economy.”

The Penn State Energy Institute estimates that the state's farmers will receive an additional 27 cents per bushel given Soy Energy's impact on the market.

The company was recognized during a meeting of the Alternative Fuels Renewable Energies Council, along with another PA Preferred member, Sysco Food Systems. Sysco has incorporated Soy Energy's oil as a fuel extender, helping the company to manage escalating diesel fuel prices.

The Department of Agriculture launched the PA Preferred brand to encourage the sale of the state's products and reassure consumers that stringent quality standards have been met. The program provides Pennsylvania producers with marketing resources to boost product exposure and build market share. Soy Energy is the first energy company to carry the brand.

9/9/2005