Mike Rath is vice chairman of the Clean Fuels Alliance America and senior vice president at Darling Ingredients Inc., an FFA sponsor.
March 18 is National Biodiesel Day. Why is biodiesel something to celebrate? Mike Rath, vice chairman of the Clean Fuels Alliance America and senior vice president at Darling Ingredients Inc., an FFA sponsor, shares why biodiesel is important to global sustainability and agriculture’s role in biodiesel production.
Q: What is biodiesel, and why is it important to our nation – and our world?
A: Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional diesel fuel. It is made from fats and oils, including soybean oil, animal fats and recycled cooking grease. As our country and the rest of the world aim to reduce carbon emissions, biodiesel is already on the roads powering tractor-trailers, construction equipment, tractors, snowplows, trains and more.
Q: Who makes biodiesel, and where is it made in the U.S.?
A: Biodiesel is made by a wide range of companies, from large international corporations to independently owned plants. I work for Darling Ingredients, which is invested in a company called Diamond Green Diesel. There are nearly 100 biodiesel and renewable diesel plants across the United States, which produced more than 3 billion gallons in 2021.
Q: Why is biodiesel important to global sustainability?
A: Biodiesel and renewable diesel can reduce carbon emissions and help improve health. A recent study conducted by Trinity Consultants noted several health benefits to using biodiesel. The study showed reduced risk of cancer, fewer asthmatic symptoms, lower cases of premature deaths and reduced sick days. It also noted that people in urban areas would see reduced restricted activity days, which happen due to poor air quality. Biodiesel reduces greenhouse gases by up to 85% of traditional petroleum diesel. It also helps with lubricity, which means it helps engines run better and reduces particulate matter emissions, so you have cleaner burning.
Q: What products can be made into biodiesel and renewable diesel?
A: The biodiesel industry was created to develop a use for excess soybean oil. Soybean oil remains the largest raw material used by the biodiesel industry today, but rendered animal fats and recycled cooking grease also play a significant role in biodiesel production. Biodiesel can be made from any vegetable oil. In addition to soy, corn and canola oils are also used.
Q: What is agriculture’s role in the production of biodiesel and renewable diesel?
A: Agriculture plays a vital role in biodiesel and renewable diesel production. These fuels are linked to both the crop and animal sectors. Take soybeans, for example. After harvest, soybeans are crushed into two parts – protein and oil. The protein goes to feed animals. The oil can be used for food, including frying oils, or for industrial purposes like biodiesel. For animals, once they are butchered, the leftover fats go through a process called rendering. A lot of products are made from rendered fats, including biodiesel.
Q: In 2021, Darling Ingredients awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships and grants to FFA members. Why is it important to you to support FFA?
A: Darling Ingredients believes the future of sustainable agriculture is cultivated by FFA. We partner with FFA and its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. We believe the future of agriculture is these young people and their vision.
