FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

GOING GREEN – STATE FAIR PROMOTES ETHANOL AND BIODIESEL USE

4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821             Fax (813) 740-3505             http://www.floridastatefair.com/

[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. — February 5, 2008.  The Florida State Fair is going green!  What better way for an agriculture venue to promote renewable fuels than to lead by example?  The Fair will now use only biodiesel products and is championing alternative fuels that will impact state farmers with an innovative exhibit during the upcoming fair.

The switch is a result of Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson’s plans to make Florida a leader in the production and usage of cleaner, renewable fuels.  The fair will use biodiesel in all of its vehicles, generators and heavy equipment. 

During the 2008 Florida State Fair, a “Farm to Fuel” Exhibit will explain how various alternative fuels are made and showcase five vehicles that run on alternative energy.  The exhibit, which will be located in the Ag Hall of Fame building near gate 3, will show visitors how Florida is pursuing renewable fuel technology, including ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative fuels.  The display will highlight renewable fuels that can be derived from agricultural waste from Florida grown crops and other biomass sources.

“These fuels are the energy of the future and it’s exciting to be able to show the public how far along Florida has come in putting the technologies into practice,” Bronson said.  “I encourage people to stop by the exhibit and see firsthand the innovations that have become a reality and will impact our economy, environment and farmers.”

Bronson’s “Farm to Fuel” Initiative involves promoting the production and distribution of renewable energy using feed stocks from Florida farms, ranches and forests to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and provide farmers with an off season crop.  He says this will help keep farms viable and prevent development of the land and further the “25 by 25” vision of farms producing 25% of the nation’s energy by the year 2025.

“In order to accomplish that goal we have to keep up the momentum,” Bronson said.  “That’s why I have made available on the department website information about where consumers can locate ethanol and biodiesel fueling stations around Florida”.

To learn more about the Farm to Fuel Initiative or locate gas stations that have alternative fuels available, log onto http://www.floridafarmtofuel.com.  Farm to Fuel Exhibit is open all days of the Fair for visitors to learn about alternative fuels.

All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices, and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.  Fair gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 11; and free for children five and younger.  NO RE-ENTRY is permitted without an admission ticket.  Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and parking is free during the 12 days of the Fair. 

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located just seven miles east of downtown Tampa, with easy access via I-75, I-4, U.S. Highway 301, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, and Orient Road.  For more information about the 2008 Florida State Fair, call toll-free (800) 345-FAIR or (813) 621-7821, visit http://www.floridastatefair.com/ or http://myspace.com/floridastatefair.

The 104th annual Florida State Fair will take place on February 7-18, 2008.  The Florida State Fair – always in Tampa and always in February – is organized by the Florida State Fair Authority under the leadership of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Denise Shreaves:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Manager of Marketing & Public Relations
Florida State Fair Authority
Phone (813) 627-4314 / Cell (813) 732-0141
 
OR

Vince Caruso:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marketing Director 
Florida State Fair Authority
Phone (813) 627-4222