press releases

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2007   
Media Contact:  Randall Doyal at 507-951-2530

Local Farmers Organize Claremont Renewable Energy

Owatonna, MN---A group of local farmers are making their voices heard in the battle for energy independence. The newly formed Claremont Renewable Energy (CRE) is seeking to build a locally owned and operated ethanol plant.

“I am pleased to announce the formation of a new farmer owned, value added ethanol production company,” said CRE President Richard Buckwalter.  “This style of ethanol company may have gone out of vogue in recent years, but we believe the time is ripe for farmers to take control of their destiny and to contribute to our nation’s growing renewable energy sector. ” 

CRE has signed a letter of intent with Al-Corn Clean Fuel to provide development and management services.

“We have been studying this opportunity, looking carefully at the rapid growth in the industry, and believe it is time for us to act,” said CRE Vice President Bruce Schmoll. “Further, we have chosen to align ourselves with others who have a proven track record of success in the ethanol industry as a farmer owned cooperative. ” 

“We look forward to working closely with Claremont Renewable Energy and its farmer members,” stated Al-Corn Chairman Bradley M Ahrens. “This will provide an opportunity for more of our area’s farmers, especially younger farmers, to participate in ownership of an ethanol plant. This will make a great new contribution to the economy of our area. ” 

Today, farmer-owned ethanol production represents 42 percent of the total annual production in the U.S. Taken as a group, farmer-owned plants are still the largest single producer of ethanol. CRE is seeking to make sure that remains the case.

“There are lots of farmers in my area who have not had the chance to get ownership in an ethanol plant, and all the new projects seemed to go to well-heeled investors,” said CRE member Rick Gehling. “Now my friends and neighbors will all have an opportunity to be owners of their own renewable energy plant!”