There has long been discussions and debate regarding the location of biofuel plants. Most plants have been located near the source of feedstock (corn) in the Midwest as opposed to the end user demand in the east and west coast. Plants located outside the Midwest corn belt have been considered “Destination Plants”.

Benchmark has negotiated with North Carolina State University, The Sorghum Checkoff program, local seed companies and farmers, for the developing and growing of 100,000 new grain sorghum acres in North Carolina.

With the incorporation of sorghum higher yielding seed varieties (multiseed traits) the company anticipates securing over 50% of the feedstock requirements within the Raeford vicinity of North Carolina and South Carolina. Within 2 to 3 years of startup, 100% of the grain sorghum is to be sourced from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The Raeford Plant now exceeds many strategic attributes with its location:

1. Raeford NC is located near the high demand markets for low carbon biofuels in the east coast.

2. The plant will be able to source feedstock locally from current farms situated in North and South Carolina.

3. The plant can deliver its improved by-products (DDGS and Oil) to local high demanded feed market of small stomach livestock (Poultry)

The company has formally executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the plan for establishing the initial 100,000 acres of grain sorghum in North Carolina.

For additional information, please contact the company