Missouri approves rice and biodiesel provisions

The Missouri state legislature has given final approval to House Bill 741, which was amended to include portions of Senate Bill 571, dealing with biodiesel tax credits, and Senate Bill 387, the Missouri Rice Certification Act.

Under the biodiesel tax credit provisions, refiners will get state tax credits even if they use raw materials from out of state. Currently, they have to get the vegetable oil from sources as far away as St. Joseph — 490 miles to the northwest. The change will allow them to acquire inputs from across state lines, making biodiesel more economically viable.

Provisions of the Missouri Rice Certification Act included in HB 741 will create an advisory council. The committee will consist of nine members, including the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, two members appointed by the director representing rice handlers and end users, and six members recommended by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council including producers, university scientists, and representatives of rice mills and seed dealers.