Through the soybean checkoff, soybean farmers funded most of the earlier research and market development efforts for soy biodiesel. Continuing efforts are now being leveraged with both private and government funding to address the many issues being faced in this burgeoning biodiesel industry. Since the year 2000, biodiesel production has grown from thousands to millions of gallons. It is estimated 700 million gallons were produced in 2008 and is estimated to be available nationwide at nearly 1,600 distributors and about 1,300 retailers.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) have diligently researched biodiesel use in their equipment which has resulted in a low biodiesel blend level...