Starbuck farmer Paul Freeman, who serves on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), is representing the soybean checkoff at the Clean Fuels Alliance America’s (Clean Fuels) New York City Big Apple Tour Dec. 10-13, 2023.

The annual tour allows the attendees a broad look at the market drivers as well as new biodiesel markets. New York City is one of the nation’s biggest proponents of biodiesel. Incorporating the use of biodiesel in 2000 when the total market was only 5 million gallons, NYC continues supporting the industry by using biodiesel and Bioheat fuel, as well as introducing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. 

Freeman first participated in the tour several years ago.

“It was a very good trip last time, and I’m looking forward to getting caught up on what they’re doing out there,” Freeman said.

The Big Apple Tour begins Dec. 10 with a networking reception before the full tour starts the next morning. 

The conference begins at SUNY Maritime College. Gibbs, along with United Soybean Board directors (including Martin County farmer Lawrence Sukalski) and state soybean board directors, will hear the latest policy news from several guest speakers, as well as a Northeast market update and a Marine and New York harbor update before ending with a tour of the college.  

Day two commences at Kean University, where attendees will hear from Groundwork Elizabeth CEO Jonathan Phillips and Antoine Thompson, executive director of Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, on their respective organizations.  

Those in attendance will participate in a sustainability discussion, along with group discussions between soybean farmers and urban hosts, followed by a tour of Groundwork Elizabeth Urban Farm. The final day of the Clean Fuels Big Apple Tour will be led by Keith Kerman of the New York/Department of Citywide Administrative Services. A Q&A session will conclude the tour.  

Clean Fuels Alliance America is the national trade organization association representing the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries. Based in Jefferson City, Mo., Clean Fuels works to create sustainable industry growth through education communication, governmental affairs and quality assurance programs. The Council is a Clean Fuels member, and Jackson County farmer Chris Hill was recently reelected to the organization’s governing board.