Biodiesel: A Priority Issue

Over the past few months, the MSGA and MSR&PC officers and directors have defined key issues of importance and priority including biodiesel, support of the livestock industry, the quality of Minnesota soybeans, transportation infrastructure and conservation. Over the next few weeks, Friday Focus will provide a closer look at each of these issues and how they relate top soybean farmer profitability.

A Value-Added Market for Soybean Oil

Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum diesel fuel that can be made from soybean oil, other vegetable oils and animal fats.

Energy Independence

The use and development of biodiesel will reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil and will provide a new domestic market for soybean oil.

Historic Minnesota Legislation

In March of 2002, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to require a 2% blend of biodiesel in the state's petroleum diesel supply by 2005.

A Renewable Fuel

It takes Mother Nature 250 million years to renew her fossil fuels. It takes Minnesota soybean farmers just nine months.

Environmentally Friendly

Minnesotans treasure a clean, natural environment and a strong economy. That's why there continues to be widespread support for biodiesel among the citizens of Minnesota — both rural and urban. In addition to being a domestic and renewable source of energy, biodiesel cleans the air and helps the environment. A recent study released by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that biodiesel use can reduce emissions of particulate matter by 47% when compared to petroleum diesel in unmodified diesel engines.