Brunner added, "USDA is proud to be partners with the small rural businesses that produce and use alternative energy sources which not only save money but also create jobs."ݼ/p>

Rio Valley Biofuels is receiving two awards for a total of $40,972 from USDA Rural Development's business program to expand its production of biodiesel. The biodiesel fuel is made from waste vegetable oil supplied by a tortilla facility in El Paso, Texas.After the vegetable oil is refined, the company produces 500 to 1,000 gallons of biodiesel each day. Farmers and ranchers throughout southern New Mexico and West Texas are currently using the fuel developed by Rio Valley Bio Fuels in their trucks and for various farm and ranch machinery.The biodiesel is a completely biodegradable product because it does not contain hydrocarbons like petroleum-based fuels. Moreover, because the fuel is biodegradable and will completely decompose within 10 days and it will not contaminate the ground water.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov