Eight years since the historic B20 requirements were enacted in 2018, the state of Minnesota has transitioned toward a 20-percent biodiesel blend (B20) during the summer months. Between the months of October through March, the state of Minnesota requires all diesel to contain at least 5% biodiesel (B5), from April 1-14, all diesel must contain at least 10% (B10) biodiesel. Starting April 15, 2026, all diesel must contain a 20% biodiesel blend through the rest of the summer.

Thanks to soy checkoff investments and advocacy from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, the state of Minnesota has remained a leader in biodiesel since legislation was first enacted in 2005 that required a 2% biodiesel blend, which was upped to 5% in 2009 and 10% in 2014. In 2018, Minnesota made history by becoming the first state to enact a B20 minimum blending requirement.

Using a B20 blend in the summer and B5 is improving Minnesota’s economy and cleaning our air. Biodiesel makes a significant economic impact, contributing nearly $1.7 billion toward Minnesota’s GDP and supports nearly 5,400 full time jobs in the state. At the farm level, biodiesel contributes $676 million annually and increases the value of soybeans by $1 per bushel. Minnesota produces approximately 85 million gallons of the renewable fuel annually.

“All the economic indicators show that biodiesel is improving farmer profitability and building demand for soybeans grown right here in Minnesota,” MSGA President Darin Johnson said.  

Biodiesel also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% and displaces roughly 130 million gallons of petroleum diesel in Minnesota each year. Using a B20 blend in the summer and a B5 blend in the winter equates to removing the emissions from nearly a quarter-million vehicles from state roads every year.

“The biodiesel industry provides significant value for all Minnesotans.” said Mike Youngerberg, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council senior director of product development & commercialization. “Beyond the economic benefits, studies show that biodiesel is a proven, reliable solution to address climate and energy concerns.”

The Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds Minnesotans that the biodiesel blend requirement applies to sales of diesel meant to be used in internal combustion engines, not to fuel already stored in bulk storage tanks at farms or other businesses. All bulk diesel sold and delivered to tanks that fuel diesel equipment, such as construction equipment, truck fleets, farm equipment and generators, must contain at least the following minimums:

Deliveries between Oct. 1 – March 31: 5%

Deliveries between April 1 – April 14 (transition to 20%): 10%

Deliveries between April 15 – Sept. 30: 20%

“Make sure your tank is clean,” said Minnesota farmer Chris Hill, a director with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and member of Clean Fuels Alliance America Board. “Treat it like you would your combine or tractor.”