The Company previously announced on October 6, 2008 that it was extending the construction schedule of the facility in Aurora. Given the continued disappointing economics surrounding the production of ethanol, the Company has decided to temporarily suspend construction at the new Aurora facility. The construction delay is expected to last approximately six months.

In addition, construction at the Mount Vernon, Indiana facility will continue. However, the completion date will be extended until the fourth quarter of 2009.

The Company is working closely with Kiewit Energy Company, the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the projects, to help redeploy personnel and equipment. In this regards, Aventine will incur non-recurring expenses.

Ron Miller, Aventine's President and Chief Executive Officer said, "The decisions we made today, although difficult, we believe to be in the best interest of our stakeholders and customers. We believe that the long-term outlook for ethanol is very positive. However, given the poor economic conditions in the ethanol industry today, we believed it important to take the steps necessary to preserve liquidity. Our capital expansion program was the largest single user of cash, so slowing this program was the most prudent cash management alternative.

Miller concluded, "We remain committed to the completion of these facilities and the communities in which they are located and look forward to the day that both of these facilities are producing ethanol."

Rich Cooper, Chief Executive Officer for the Ports of Indiana said, "Obviously all companies are looking at the most prudent ways to manage their business during this very difficult economic cycle. We're extremely pleased that Aventine is continuing construction at the Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon. The Company has assured us that it is still planning to complete the facility in 2009."

Brad Kaufman, President of Kiewit Energy Company added, "We fully support Aventine's decision and prudent cash management, especially given today's difficult economic environment.