Biofuels for Farmers and Ranchers

The following resources can provide you with more information on farming opportunities in the biofuels industry. From some of these resources, you can also learn how farms and ranches can benefit from using alternative fuel and flex-fuel vehicles. If you are unfamiliar with biofuels, see the introduction to biofuels.

Research and Commercial Opportunities

NREL Biomass Research: Utilization of Renewable Diesel
Works to reduce technical barriers that inhibit broader use of renewable diesel fuels through R&D.

NREL Nonpetroleum Based Fuels Research: Renewable Diesel
Works to overcome technical barriers to biodiesel.

U.S. Department of Energy Biomass Program
Provides information on biofuels research and development, as well as the latest issues.

U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Feedstock Information Network
Covers current research in developing environmentally acceptable crops and cropping systems on farms for producing large quantities of low-cost, high-quality biomass feedstocks.

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Farm Service Agency Bioenergy Program
Provides information on the current agricultural commodity market concerning biofuels.

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service Biofuels Program
Features information on agricultural research projects.

Vehicle Fuels

U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center
Provides information on alternative fuel vehicles and refueling sites across the country.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Alternative Fuels
Features information on alternative fuels and vehicle emissions.

National Biodiesel Board
Provides information on using biodiesel in conventional diesel engines, including a list of biodiesel suppliers.

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition
Features information on flex-fuel vehicles that can use 85 percent ethanol and on refueling sites.

Harvesting Clean Energy
Features information on renewable energy technologies, like biofuels, for rural landowners, including farms, ranches, and communities in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Biofuels from Trees (PDF 928 KB) Download Adobe Reader.

CADDET: Energy-Efficient Farming and Forestry in Norway
Explains a farm's use of biomass energy, hydroelectric power, and solar energy to significantly reduce energy costs.

Training and Workshops

Solar Energy International: Renewable Fuels Workshop
Learn the fundamentals of creating a renewable fuels economy.

Solar Energy International: Biodiesel Fuel Workshop
Learn the fundamentals of this alternative fuel source that can be used in any diesel engine.

Financing

U.S. Department of Agriculture Biobased Products and Bioenergy Program
Finances technologies needed to convert biomass into biobased products and bioenergy for large national and international markets.

U.S. Department of Agriculture 2002 Farm Bill: Section 9006
A grant and loan program to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.

U.S. Department of Energy Financial Opportunities
Offers financial assistance opportunities for the development and demonstration of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.