BY MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION
EXPOSITOR STAFF / BRANTFORD

It looks like so many acres of corn stubble right now, but follow little coloured pennants placed in patterns on the ground and you'll see the enormity of a farmer co-op's dream to place Ontario's largest ethanol plant in that very spot.

Along with scores of farm leaders, it garnered the attention of supportive federal, provincial and municipal politicians, including Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barret and freshly-elected MP Diane Finley, Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock and four city councillors, and Brant Mayor Ron Eddy and county Con. Willie Maertens.

The co-op's leadership is staying resolutely mum on the amount raised so far in the equity drive. Nonetheless, the co-op has gained some high-profile investors, including a recent commitment of $1 million from process design company INC Inc. The latest, announced to applause, is King and Benton itself, which took out a $250,000 share.