Overview

Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel made from renewable resources. It is made via a transesterification process whereby methyl esters are produced from fats and oils, yielding a non-toxic, biodegradable fuel that can be burned in diesel engines. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be mixed with petroleum diesel fuel or used alone as a diesel fuel. In the United States, biodiesel is produced from plant oils, animal fats, recycled restaurant grease and waste grease. Research continues to develop other feedstock sources for biodiesel, including algae, to make biodiesel production affordable in many different locations within the country. Non-food plants, such as jatropha, which grow in arid conditions, are being used as feedstock in Africa and India for biodiesel production.  February 2010 ... Biodiesel

Marketing

• Alternative Fuels Data Center.
• Biodiesel, Market to Market, Iowa Public Television, 2002 - Explore biodiesel's future and West Central Cooperative in Iowa and their biodiesel efforts.
• Biodiesel at the Intersection, Rural Cooperatives magazine, USDA, 2008 - Increased corn demand, fewer soybean acres in production and a growing demand for biodiesel feedstock has pushed soy oil prices to new heights.
• Biodiesel - Distillate Usage Patterns in Minnesota, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, 2005.
• Biodiesel Marine Biodiesel In Recreational Boats - Technical Handbook, CytoCulture International, Inc., 1999.
• Biodiesel Marine Marketing Opportunities: Successes and Challenges in the Chesapeake Bay, MARC IV Consulting.
• Biodiesel: The Sustainability Dimensions, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), 2006.
• Canadian Renewable Fuels Association.
• End-User Survey: Implications for Industry Growth, Prepared by ASG Renaissance, Dearborn, Michigan, 2004.
• Evaluating Biodiesel as a Value-added Opportunity, Department of Economics, Iowa State University, 2004 - This paper looks at the current interest and growth in the industry and examines considerations for investing.
• The Growth and Direction of the Biodiesel Industry in the United States, Nick D. Paulson and Roger G. Ginder, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), Iowa State University, 2007.
• How Biodiesel Works, HowStuffWorks, Discovery Channel.
• The National Biodiesel Board - National trade association representing the biodiesel industry.
• Renewable Fuels Association.
• Soybeans, Economic Research Service, USDA.
• U.S. Biodiesel, U.S. Crops, Food and Ag Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) 2009 Agricultural Outlook, University of Missouri.

Processing/Manufacturing

• National Ag-Based Lubricants Center, University of Northern Iowa - Research program dedicated to industrial lubricants made from oil.
• Biodiesel Attributes and Consideration for Use, Ag Environmental Products, L.L.C.
• Co-generation Using Wind and Biodiesel-Powered Generators, Department of Applied Economics, College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, 2005.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory - An overview of biodiesel and petroleum diesel lifecycles.
• SOYA and Oilseed Bluebook - World-wide soy industry directory.
• U.S. Department of Energy Office of Biomass Programs - Numerous research reports on alternative fuels and new technologies.

Production

• A Slicker Soybean, Farm Journal, 2006 - Researchers are attempting to increase the oil content of soybeans for biodiesel production.
• BERA (Biomass Energy Research Association) - Association of biofuel researchers, companies and advocates.
• Biodiesel Production for On-Farm Use: A curriculum for agricultural producers, ATTRA, NCAT, 2007.
• The Economics of Oilseeds for Biodiesel in Montana ~ Overview and Case Studies, ATTRA, NCAT, 2009 - This publication contains several case studies that describe the economic factors impacting the production of oilseed crops for renewable biobased fuels.

Businesses/Case Studies

• Ag Environmental Products, L.L.C. - An AGP subsidiary doing research and market development of soy oil.
• Agricultural Cooperatives and Marketing Bioenergy Crops, Cooperative Development for Agriculture and Energy, 1998.
• American Soybean Association - Membership organization promoting soybean production and consumption.
• Economic Feasibility Review for Community-Scale Farmer Cooperatives for Biodiesel, The Land Institute, Salina, Kansas, 1999.
• Renewable Energy Group  - Turnkey biodiesel plants.
• Value-Added Corner: Farmers Co-Op Elevator, Value-Added Producer Grant Success Stories, Rural Cooperatives, 2004 - Biodiesel project looks promising for Iowa co-op.
• West Central Soy - A leading manufacturer of soy fuels, lubricants and cleaners.

 Links checked January 2010.