On a hot and muggy Sunday morning in late July, members of the Piedmont Biofuels cooperative met at the organization's Moncure research farm to harvest experimental oilseed crops. The co-op is studying these crops - mustard, canola, oilseed radish, etc. - to determine which ones are the best candidates for use in making biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fats and is completely renewable. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and has significantly lower emissions than petroleum diesel.

Piedmont Biofuels conducts research, makes fuel, and educates consumers and organizations about the wonders of biodiesel. They are considered leaders in the Biofuels movement in North Carolina and have received considerable attention for their outreach efforts. The Piedmont Biofuels tanker truck recently traveled to Zebulon to fill up the tour buses of Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan! The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro as well as all Chatham County school buses now blend biodiesel from Piedmont Biofuels with their regular diesel. The co-op has 5 pumps throughout the Triangle where consumers can purchase fuel.

Check out the Piedmont Biofuels website to learn more about this great local organization.

Return to Farm Photo of the Week Homepage