An Economic Driver for Iowa
Biodiesel producers are a vital part of a manufacturing sector that adds substantial value to agricultural commodities produced in Iowa and makes a significant contribution to the Iowa economy.
In 2025, Iowa had eight operating biodiesel plants with the capacity to produce 400+ million gallons per year.
According to a study by Decision Innovation Solutions, after accounting for indirect and induced effects, Iowa biodiesel production in 2025 contributed a total of 1,198 jobs, $92.0 million in labor income, $67.2 million in value added and nearly $1.5 billion in output to the Iowa economy in 2025, contributing to all sectors of the state's economy.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- 1,198 - Jobs (full-time equivalent jobs in all sectors of the Iowa economy supported by the increase in economic activity generated by biodiesel annually)
- $92 million – Labor income in Iowa
- $67.2 million – Value added
- 1.5 billion - Output (total sales)
Farm Economy Impact
A strong Iowa biodiesel market helps farmers weather difficult economic times, supporting Iowa’s number one industry: agriculture.
Biodiesel and renewable diesel support 10 percent of the value of every bushel of soybeans grown in the U.S.
- For Iowa farmers, the biodiesel industry supported $1 per bushel in 2024 and $598 million in overall value.
Biodiesel production helps livestock production become more profitable while increasing our available food supply and reducing food prices.
Economic Study - Clean Fuels Alliance America
Food and Fuel
Do you have questions about how biodiesel impacts the food supply? The answers may surprise you.
Food and Fuel Fact Sheet
