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Report indicates support for biodiesel in US

09 August 2008

A recent study by the United Soybean Board (USB) has revealed that the public supports the use of biodiesel, grainnet.com reported.

The National Agriculture Image Survey commented that 77 per cent of consumers were in favour of using biodiesel and believed that the alternative fuel could meet the country's energy needs over the next five to ten years.

After hearing about the environmental benefits of the fuel, 74 per cent were more favourable towards use of the biodiesel and 70 per cent had a positive reaction to it once they were told it was "a new green industry that creates jobs".

According to the survey, 82 per cent of people agreed with the proposition that an increase in food prices were caused by foreign oil-producing countries and the high cost of farming, processing, packaging, storing and shipping food.

Commenting on the results of the survey, USB vice chairman and Nebraska soybean farmer Chuck Myers said: "Biodiesel represents a viable, useful and beneficial alternative to imported oil."

The Environment News Service reported yesterday that the LYNX Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority has been awarded a grant to allow it to build its own biodiesel blending facility.