The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) is pushing a bill that would require all diesel fuel sold in Missouri to contain a five percent blend of biodiesel, or B5.

"There's no question we'll be able to meet the demand for supply," said Dale Ludwig, CEO of Missouri Soybean Association. "We have twice the amount of capacity for production in this state than will be required for a five-percent blend."

The B-5 standard would support good quality fuel. However, it will not increase the price. The Missouri Soybean Association says, if the price of biodiesel costs more than standard diesel, the standard would not be in effect.

"We have about 130-million gallons of biodiesel production in the state of Missouri," said Ludwig. "Basically what we do is add 130-million gallons of fuel to the market, and when we do that, we put downward pressure on prices."

"My pick-up runs a little bit quieter on it," said Paul Gibbs, a Cooper county farmer. "I get a little better fuel mileage and it will actually help the livestock industry the state because all that bean meal that's being crushed."

Gibbs also supports the initiative because of the increased availability it would create.

"We're just excited about the opportunity that we have for a win-win situation for consumers, because we put downward pressure on prices when we increase the fuel supply, we'll be providing an excellent quality product to consumers - we actually believe it will make your engines last longer - and then when we reduce our dependency on foreign oil - we're creating additional jobs right here in Missouri."

The Senate Ag Committee approved the B-5 standard (SB 759) last week and the association expects the senate to begin debating the bill within the next few weeks. If the bill is passed, the standard would go into effect in April 1, 2010.