Farmers and rural communities are playing an increasingly important role in the growing biofuels industry. A recent Dakota Farmer article highlights how biofuels (liquid transportation fuels like ethanol and biodiesel made from agricultural crops) are contributing to national energy independence while providing farmers with additional income streams. In 2024, the ethanol industry supported more than 55,000 jobs and added $53 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product, according to the Renewable Fuels Association.
Growth in the biodiesel sector is also driving investments in soybean processing facilities across the Midwest, creating local markets for North Dakota farmers who traditionally exported most of their soybean production. As biofuel technologies and markets continue to evolve, opportunities for farmers to benefit from initiatives like carbon incentives and biofuel production incentives are expected to expand. The article also explores the increasing availability of fuels like E15, a gasoline blend containing 10.5% to 15% ethanol, now offered at thousands of stations across 31 states. Farmers are encouraged to stay engaged with industry experts and emerging market opportunities to maximize the potential benefits biofuels can provide for their operations and rural economies.