WISCONSIN RAPIDS - An innovative workshop entitled "Sustainable Biofuels and Local Climate Change Solutions," will be held at Mid-State Technical College's (MSTC) Wisconsin Rapids campus, 500 32nd Street N., on Tuesday, December 4. The workshop is sponsored by the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), Great Lakes Energy Consulting, the Consortium for Education in Renewable Energy Technology (CERET) and MSTC. The workshop is designed to educate grain and livestock farmers, agriculture professionals, government officials and policy makers, educators and biofuels enthusiasts about how to make and use biofuels in today's changing global climate.

According to Al Javoroski, MSTC's Dean of the Technical & Industrial Division, workshop participants can expect to come away with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for biofuels. "Attendees will learn about the important benefits of conservation programs that help to reduce and offset carbon emissions and hear testimonials from experts in these fields." Workshop presenters include Sue Beitlich, WFU President; Jamie Derr, Great Lakes Energy Consulting; Maria Redmond, Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence; Dr. Kenneth Walz and Paul Morchauser, Madison Area Technical College; Luke Mathews, Prairie Fire Biofuels Co-op; and Dr. Farhat Iqbal, Slilca Solar.

Workshop session titles include: Homegrown Fuel, Food & Conservation; Biofueled Farming; Growing & Processing Oilseeds; Your Engine on Biodiesel & Straight Veggie Oil; and The Scoop on BioGas & On-Farm Solar Options. In addition to the workshop sessions, a demonstration using oil extraction technology will be featured.

The Sustainable Biofuels and Local Climate Change Solutions workshop takes place Tuesday, December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cost to attend the workshop is $45 for non-WFU members and $25 for students, and includes lunch. To register for the workshop, call the WFU office at (715) 723-5561 or 800-272-5531.