"This is the salvation of Kalkaska County," Gordon Hulbert, of Garfield Township, said. "Instead of leaving Kalkaska County, young people -instead of being part of the mass exodus -can stay in the county."

Presenter Russell Freed, a Michigan State University professor, talked about canola varieties, the growing process and the benefits of canola. According to Freed it makes sense for people in Kalkaska County to explore potential of growing canola for use in biodiesel. He said uses for biodiesel include:

farm operations

lumbering

boating

school buses

"When you look at the big picture and the future, I think we need to be doing more to protect our environment," Freed said. "Biofuels are something we could use to do that ... especially with our waterways." Freed encouraged potential growers to consider winter canola. "They get an earlier start in the spring," he said. "You'll have a 30 percent higher yield than with spring canola.

"These fields, when they are flowering, are just beautiful." Investors and planners have reported that the region is perfect for growing and processing canola.

"I'm interested in the potential of this as an alternative fuel, as both a community member and larger land owner," Terry Martin of Fife Lake, said before the workshop began.

Still in its early stages, NMB plans to grow to be a 5 million gallon biodiesel manufacturer with a full crush facility.

"We are striving to provide eco-friendly, sustainable, profitable, alternative fuels" said managing member, Bill Koucky. He and the other managing member, Bruce Soloway, hope to obtain their goal by contracting with local farmers to grow canola.

NMB, in conjunction with the Traverse City non-governmental organization, SEEDS, and DLEG/Energy Office, sponsored the free workshop.

"We hope to get farmers from the area interested in growing canola, provide resources to plant canola, and finally provide a local market for them to sell to," Caitlin Koucky, event coordinator, said.

According to NMB, canola can help keep businesses local and communitycentered, as well as help to green the environment though the promotion of alternative fuels.

Contact Caitlin Koucky for more information, at 231-369-3323 or at cpkoucky @gmail.com. Visit the company's Web site at: northwestmichigan. biofuels.com