On job creation—local fruits and vegetables vs. corn and soybeans

April 2nd, 2010 – It turns out that foods that are better for you may also be better for farmers and local job creation. A new study by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University found that expanding fruit and vegetable production in the upper Midwest could bring significantly more economic benefits than conventional corn and soybean production on the same acreage.

The study, by Iowa State Research Scientist Dave Swenson, looked at the potential for fruit and vegetable production in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It identified 28 kinds of fruits and vegetables that farmers are able to grow in the region. Currently, much of the fruits and vegetables in the region come from other parts of the country or even outside the country. Read the rest of this exciting article click HERE.

Alanis Morissette Performs to Benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance

Los Angeles, California – The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance hosted a fundraising concert and dinner on October 24th, to gather support for the cause of community-based, sustainable biodiesel. The evening’s festivities were held at the Elevate Films rooftop loft and included a breathtaking performance by seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette.

“It is critical that we protect community-based biodiesel as a renewable energy alternative. Fundraisers like this allow us to do just that.” Said SBA Executive Director Jeff Plowman “We are very thankful to have the support of artists like Alanis to help us accomplish this important goal.”  The fundraiser did just that through ticket sales and a silent auction of donated memorabilia and products from supporting artists and companies. To read the full article click HERE.

Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance Launches Web Tools for a Sustainable Biodiesel Industry

Austin, Texas 12/18/09 -- Today the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance announced the launch of their new web based sustainability tools for the biodiesel industry. These tools include a sustainability survey and carbon calculators for the entire biodiesel value chain. This survey is the first of its kind to score sustainability metrics and quantify biodiesel’s environmental, social and economic benefit. These tools are the direct result of the Baseline Practices for Sustainability (BPS) document that was published last year and are the foundation of what is to become an independent sustainability certification.

“These tools are designed to help stakeholders evaluate their environmental impact while providing guidance for continued improvement,” said Jeff Plowman Executive Director of the SBA, “ultimately we hope that these tools will help create a value add for farmers and feedstock producers; create a better marketing position for biodiesel refiners and distributors, while reducing emissions and providing real energy security.”

The entire biodiesel industry is at risk today due to the potential impact of unsustainable production practices and is under increased pressure to prove the benefits of biodiesel over petroleum diesel. These tools are designed to help all those involved in the biodiesel value chain to evaluate their overall impact and establish goals for improvement to create a more sustainable biodiesel industry. Business members of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance will have full access the entire suite of tools to evaluate their biodiesel enterprise.

“Our customers are asking for information regarding our products positive and negative impacts. The support and credibility that we get by being a member of the SBA provides confidence to our customers to continue choosing our products.” said Ian Hill CEO of SeQuential Biofuels. The SBA is working to create an inclusive framework to showcase the positive benefits of sustainable, community-based biodiesel. By participation in the program, member companies receive feedback and support for their enterprise model.

“Transparency is extremely important to Organic Valley. We want our commitment to producing and utilizing biodiesel to result in a positive impact on the environment and our bottom line” said Jennifer Harrison, Organic Valley’s Sustainability Program Manager and SBA business member. “The challenge we and many who have made a commitment to burning biodiesel have is the evaluation of the feedstock. It can be difficult to decipher the sustainability tradeoffs. This tool has helped us to look at the entire chain from cultivation to our tanks. We are not shying away from biodiesel, in fact we are looking to transition further into renewable fuels.”

The SBA will host a webinar to preview the tools to stakeholders and is seeking input from industry during this initial phase. For information regarding the webinar or to learn more about how to join the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance log on to www.fuelresponsibly.org. .

 

SBA Presents 2009 Visionary Awards

Rothbury, Michigan 07/05/2009 --- The SBA was on hand for the 2nd annual Rothbury Music Festival July 2nd-5th. Executive Director, Jeff Plowman and Associate Director Tanner Watt were guest speakers as part of the Environmental "Think Tank". Jeff was a panelist for the Sustainable Cities panel and Tanner was a part of the Clean Vehicles Town Hall Forum. During the weekend's festivities the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance took the opportunity to present the 2009 Visionary Awards to Lauren Sullivan and Adam Gardner, Founders of Reverb, and to www.nearbio.com for excellence and advancement in the field of sustainability. SBA Honorary Board of Directors Chariman, Willie Nelson presented the awards to the honorees with members of the SBA team and Board of Directors. Every year the Sustainable biodiesel Alliances honors at least one individual and one organization for advancements in the field of sustainabile biodiesel. This year the SBA honors the founders of Reverb, a non-profit greening organization that helps minimize the negative environmentl impact of music tours, concerts and events. The SBA also recognized www.nearbio.com this year, NearBio continues to develop the most in depth and accurate biodiesel locator engine available online today. For more information on the 2009 SBA Visionairesplease use the following links: For more information on Reverb click HERE. For more information on NearBio Click HERE.