It was over 30 years ago that soybean farmers found a new market for their product in fuel made from soybean oil that was eventually called biodiesel, but the market for that clean fuel has expanded to include new feedstocks and opportunities.
Clean Fuels Alliance America, formally known as the National Biodiesel Board, hosted a Learning Center Session at the 2024 Commodity Classic last week in Houston to discuss the rapid growth of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel demand and coordinated growth of feedstocks, including new oilseed crops.
Panelists included Doug Whitehead, Clean Fuels COO; Greg Anderson, Nebraska Soybean Board and Clean Fuels Board Member; Courtney Lawrenson, AGP and Clean Fuels Board Member; Mike DeCamp, CEO, CoverCress Inc; Scott Hedderich, Director, Nuseed; and Alan Weber, Partner, M4.
Listen to their discussion here:
Classic24 Clean Fuels learning session 33:56
In an interview, CoverCress CEO Mike DeKamp said these kinds of alternative feedstocks are essential to meet the the capacity coming on line for renewable fuel production such as renewable diesel and SAF. “We need crops that can grow in between these fallow periods (that are) not in competition with corn or beans,” he said, admitting that it is going to take time to develop these crops. “At the end of the day, if we can’t give value to the grower, it’s not going to work.”
Classic24 Mike DeKamp, CoverCress 8:58