The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a massive increase in the U.S. biomass-based diesel mandate, which includes biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. However, under the proposed rules foreign biofuels and feedstocks would only generate 50 per cent of the Renewable Identification Numbers credit value relative to U.S. biofuels and feedstocks. Photo: File

U.S. biofuel rules to throttle canola

Canadian biofuels will not be competitive in the U.S. market if they do not get the same credit and tax value as American biofuels

There are positives and negatives for Canada’s canola industry after a flurry of biofuel policy announcements in the United States.

Canada’s canola sector sees the U.S. sustainable aviation fuel market as a medium- to long-term opportunity, but many technical details have yet to be sorted out when it comes to determining what potential feedstocks will be eligible to service that market.  |  File photo

Hurdles remain for canola as U.S. SAF production grows

Government says sustainable aviation fuel production and imports increased to 52 million gallons in the first half of 2024

SASKATOON — The United States is making progress on its ambitious sustainable aviation fuel target, which could help bolster the country’s demand for imported canola oil. President Joe Biden’s administration set a target of producing three billion gallons of SAF by 2030. Related stories: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that the country had […] Read more

The U.S. imported 3.2 billion pounds of UCO through the first eight months of 2024, which is double the volume for the same period one year ago. | Reuters photo

Used cooking oil pressures soy

SASKATOON — The United States continues to face a tsunami of used cooking oil imports from China that is undermining the country’s soybean crush expansion, says an analyst. The U.S. imported 3.2 billion pounds of UCO through the first eight months of 2024, which is double the volume for the same period one year ago. […] Read more


Proposed ammendments to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard include a 20 per cent cap on the amount of biomass-based diesel (biodiesel and renewable diesel) that can be made from soybean and canola oil. | File photo

California shocks canola sector

SASKATOON — Canada’s canola processors have been blindsided by proposed amendments to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. “We’re surprised and disappointed with what they’re proposing,” said Chris Vervaet, executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association. Related stories: The California Air Resource Board (CARB) published its proposed amendments Aug. 12. They include a 20 per […] Read more

Now that Argentina’s production has recovered to normal levels, there likely won’t be enough growth in global consumption of the product for both expanding U.S. exports and a recovery in Argentine supplies.  |  File photo

Looming meal glut may hinder crusher growth

Oilseed crushers and renewable diesel processors that want to expand wonder how they will market the additional meal

SASKATOON — The United States will soon have a glut of soybean meal that could limit crush expansion and renewable diesel production in that country. Canada’s canola sector will be wrestling with the same issue, but the consequences will not be as dire, says an industry official. Related stories: The U.S. exported a record 14.52 […] Read more


The canola sector expects the biofuel boom to launch it to new heights.  |  Alexis Stockford photo

Biofuel boom may help drive down feed prices

Glacier FarmMedia – Food and feed are the main sources of global demand for crops, but climate-related policies could tip that apple cart. Governments are making legislative overtures to boost production of biofuel. In Canada, that includes the Canadian Clean Fuels Regulation, which lays out rules for fuel production and aims to encourage development of […] Read more

“When the facility is fully operational it will transform canola and other seed oils into renewable diesel that is lower in emissions than conventional fuels," said RJ Sigurdson, provincial minister of agriculture and irrigation. "To make this happen, Imperial will be sourcing most of its feedstock from canola producers right here in the province.” | File photo

Renewable diesel facility to run on Alberta canola

Imperial receives 12 per cent tax credit for Strathcona-based agri-processor

Glacier FarmMedia – The Imperial Strathcona Refinery in Alberta is receiving a 12 per cent tax credit for its $720 million under-construction canola-based renewable diesel facility that is said to need millions of tonnes of canola seed per year. The credit comes from the Province of Alberta’s Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, which offers a 12 […] Read more

The Canadian Fuels Association (CFA) applauded the government for announcing up to $1.7 billion in support for the biofuel sector.  | Reuters photo

Budget supports biofuel

SASKATOON — Canada’s biofuel groups and oilseed crushers are pleased with what it saw in the federal government’s 2024 budget. “The best way to describe it is they’ve got the right tools in the box,” said Doug Hooper, director of policy and regulation with Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC). Related stories: The Canadian Fuels Association (CFA) […] Read more


"Project delays in 2023, 2024 and into 2025 have slowed the growth of crush capacity," the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) stated in a recent report. |  Getty Images

Coming canola crush capacity delayed

SASKATOON — Canada’s canola crush buildout is not going as smoothly as planned, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Project delays in 2023, 2024 and into 2025 have slowed the growth of crush capacity,” the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) stated in a recent report. Related stories: Capacity is expected to reach 10.26 million […] Read more

The amount of UCO being imported into the United States has surprised everyone, including the U.S. government. Imports in 2023 were large enough to produce 600 million gallons of the fuel. | Reuters photo

Used cooking oil amount proves surprising

SASKATOON — Canada’s canola oil is facing stiff competition from used cooking oil (UCO) and tallow in renewable diesel markets. The amount of UCO being imported into the United States has surprised everyone, including the U.S. government. Imports in 2023 were large enough to produce 600 million gallons of the fuel. Related stories: That exceeds […] Read more