MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi manufacturers, agricultural producers and economic developers can learn ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels during an April 30 to May 1 conference in Starkville.

Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Biomass Council are sponsoring the Mississippi Alternative Fuels Conference, which includes a tour of a local paper mill. Registration fees are $140 for the conference and tour, $95 for the conference and $45 for the tour.

"Using biomass as a fuel source instead of fossil fuels reduces reliance on foreign imports," said Duane Motsenbocker, management specialist with MSU's Extension Service. "Manufacturers will learn how to use crops and residues to make fuels for vehicles or industrial use."

The conference begins April 30 with participants touring the Weyerhaeuser Pulp and Paper Mill in Lowndes County followed by a catfish fry. Sessions begin May 1 in the Bost Conference Center at MSU. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

Conference topics include biomass-derived fuels, production of bio-diesel, wood combustion and the ethanol industry followed by case study sessions. MSU co-sponsors include the Extension Service, the Forest Products Laboratory and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

Contact Ann Sansing in the MSU Extension Service's Food and Fiber Center at (662) 325-2160 or asansing@ext.msstate.edu for registration and more information.

Writer: Ashley Crawford