JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, took part in an announcement regarding biodiesel in Missouri. During the announcement, the governor proclaimed the state will immediately release $4 million for biodiesel producers in the state.
“This is amazing news for our state,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “I have fought for value-added agriculture as long as I have been in the Missouri General Assembly, and today’s announcement comes as great news for all of our biodiesel producers, who add value to our soybean industry.”
Missouri has eight biodiesel production facilities that produce approximately 200 million gallons a year, making it the second-largest such producer in the country. Nearly 2,500 people are employed in the biodiesel industry in the Show-Me State.
Missouri is also in line to become the first state in the nation to have a meat labeling provision in the statute books, following passage of Senate Bill 627. This measure seeks to prohibit people from misrepresenting something as meat that did not come from livestock.
In addition, House Bill 2034 is also on its way to the governor. This proposal would legalize industrial hemp in Missouri.
“These are both important bills for not only farmers in Missouri, but for our entire state,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “I have been fighting for Missouri’s No. 1 industry since I was first elected to serve Missourians, and my drive continues into my final days as a Missouri senator. We must do everything we can to keep agriculture alive and well in our state. Both Senate Bill 627 and House Bill 2034 will benefit not only Missouri, but the world, for decades to come. I thank my colleagues in the Missouri Legislature for helping these two items make it to the finish line this year.”