Bion Environmental Technologies lashed back Thursday at the man who outlined St. Lawrence County farmers' opposition to the company's beef-and-biofuel proposal.

Bion responded with a five-page statement to the county Farm Bureau's April 22 letter opposing local public funding for the company's $180 million proposal to use manure from 84,000 cows to create fuel. The response accuses Jon R. Greenwood, the Potsdam farmer who acted as bureau spokesman, of spreading misinformation for personal gain.

"We look at that and based on a relatively consistent pattern of behavior, the time had come for us to say, 'Wait, let's be honest and direct about what's going on here,'" said Jeffrey H. Kapell, Bion vice president.

Bion argues that Mr. Greenwood, who operates one of the largest farms in the county, opposes the project because the company will compete for land that he could use to expand his operation. Bion needs 200 to 300 acres for each of the six facilities it would use to house cattle, according to the Clarkson University professor who studied the operation's impact on air quality.

The argument is a more-pointed version of Mr. Kapell's response April 22, when he said opposition came from large farm operators who fear competition.

"The board voted and it was unanimous to send that out, as released," Mr. Greenwood said Thursday. "My name was down as being the person the press should call."

Mr. Greenwood was tabbed to speak for the group because he is most familiar with Bion's operation, said bureau President William C. Sweeney. Mr. Greenwood, who is skeptical of the company's plans, reiterated Thursday that the Farm Bureau has not taken a position on the project as a whole.

"We want to be careful that we don't oppose it because it's big or competition. Those aren't valid reasons," he said. "The public funding part we made very clear. If they come here and can do that on their own, go for it."

Bion is working with the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority to receive corn via the St. Lawrence Seaway and has courted public support to shore up private investment and state and federal subsidies. Bion has not asked for money from the county, its Industrial Development Agency or other municipalities.

Mr. Greenwood, a former county legislator, has been on the IDA board since 2003. Bion faults him for opposing a project that will benefit the economy.

"Unfortunately for the residents of Saint Lawrence County, Mr. Greenwood has abused his position to protect his narrowly defined personal interests at the expense of possible benefit to the residents of SLC — old-fashioned personal politics that, as it relates to this project, is far too common," Bion said.