Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) Secretary/Treasurer Jonathan Gibbs is traveling to the  Clean Fuels Alliance America’s (Clean Fuels) New York City Big Apple Tour Dec. 10-13, 2023, as a member of Clean Fuels.  

The annual tour allows the attendees a broad look at the market drivers as well as new biodiesel markets. The visit marks the second time Gibbs has attended on behalf of WSMB. 

“I found a lot of value in the tour and I’m looking forward to going again this year,” said Gibbs, who farms near Fox Lake. “The first time going, it’s kind of taking it all in and you come away with some details and information, but the second time I think you’re hoping to be able to learn more.”  

According to the tentative schedule, the Big Apple Tour kicks off on Dec. 10 with a networking reception before the full tour starts the next morning. 

The conference begins at the SUNY Maritime College. Gibbs, along with United Soybean Board directors and state soybean board directors, will hear the latest policy from several guest speakers, as well as a Northeast market update and a Marine and New York harbor update before ending with a tour of the college.  

Day two commences at Kean University, where attendees will hear from Groundwork Elizabeth CEO Jonathan Phillips and Antoine Thompson, executive director of Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, on their respective organizations.  

Those in attendance will participate in a sustainability discussion, along with group discussions between soybean farmers and urban hosts, followed by a tour of Groundwork Elizabeth Urban Farm. 

The final day of the Clean Fuels Big Apple Tour will be led by Keith Kerman of the New York/Department of Citywide Administrative Services. A Q&A session will conclude the tour.  

“I’m excited to see how the East Coast uses the products compared to here and how to better understand our market and what it’s looking for out of how I produce my soybeans,” Gibbs said.