Farmer leaders from across Minnesota logged on for the 2020 “Virtual” NYC Big Apple Tour. The tour is hosted each year – this was the first held virtually – to bring an educational component to industry leaders and farmers to show the economic impact soybeans have in the nation’s largest city.

Farmers had the opportunity to listen to goals for each of the soybean products that New York City utilizes.

 “I enjoyed learning about how our soybeans are being used in different products across big cities like New York City,” Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Director Ryan Mackenthun said. “If we can implement some of these changes in large cities, there will be increased chances to sell and market more of our soybeans and help the overall environment.”

With New York City having the largest metropolitan fleet in the country, which includes 10,000 diesel vehicles, there are endless opportunities to drive the usage of biodiesel by increasing blends. The fleet also utilizes Goodyear soybean tires.

Additionally, New York City is looking to continue to increase Bioheat blends to heat buildings. City leaders have created a campaign to work on consumer outreach and education to help others understand the environmental benefits to help increase usage of the product.

The increased usage of biodiesel, Goodyear tires and Bioheat is a result of finding innovative ways the city can decrease its carbon footprint. As a result, industry leadership has committed to reduce their carbon footprint by 15% by 2023, 40% by 2030, and Net Zero by 2050.

The tour helped farmers understand the importance of working together with industry to help drive soybean markets, and the continued efforts that need to happen to help improve the country’s environment and economy.