Shakopee, Minn., January 12, 2009 – Two ethanol pioneers and two members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation were honored by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) Monday night at their annual awards banquet, held in conjunction with the association’s annual meeting. MCGA president DeVonna Zeug, a corn and soybean farmer from Wabasso presented the association’s “Friend of Agriculture” award to Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Collin Peterson, and awarded MCGA’s “Kernel” award to long-time ethanol industry leaders Jeff Broin and Ron Fagen,
In making the awards, Zeug praised the work of all four individuals.

Senator Amy Klobuchar has worked hard on behalf of Minnesota farm families in the Senate to compliment the work of Chairman Peterson in the House, Zeug said. She has been a friend of farmers on renewable fuels and continues to work hard to address the concerns Minnesota farmers have on a myriad of issues. Zeug also expressed a special kinship with the Senator for her ability to work successfully in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Minnesota Seventh District Congressman and House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson shepherded the 2008 Farm Bill into law against difficult odds – and not one, but two presidential vetoes. Zeug said Peterson has been on the front lines in the fight for renewable fuels, championing E15 and taking on the mistaken theory of indirect land use. From climate change and clean water to food safety and chemical security, Zeug said Peterson continues to stand up for U.S. farmers.

Jeff Broin, Co-chair of Growth Energy and president and CEO of Poet began his career in renewable fuels on the Broin family farm in Wanamingo, Minnesota in 1983, when the Broins first experimented with making ethanol on a small scale. Broin Companies became Poet in 2007. In 2008 Broin led the founding of Growth Energy, a group committed to promoting greener, bio-based energy, through smart policy reform and a network of proactive grassroots supporters.

Ron Fagen, CEO of Fagen, Inc., helped put Granite Falls, Minnesota, on the national map by building 47 ethanol projects across the U.S. between 2006 and 2008. Fagen’s family-owned company generated $2.2 billion in revenue in 2007. Zeug praised Fagen for being a long-time friend to rural communities and one who has been a true pioneer in building America’s corn ethanol industry.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is a grassroots membership organization, made up of approximately 6,100 Minnesota corn producers, their supporters and affiliates. The organization’s mission is to identify and promote opportunities for the profitability of corn farmers while enhancing quality of life.