The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) is set to participate in the annual Big Apple Tour hosted by Clean Fuels Alliance America from December 15-18 in New York City. This event offers a unique opportunity for soybean industry leaders to explore advancements in biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel in one of America's largest urban centers.
Andy Bensend, WSMB District 1 director from Dallas, Wisconsin, and WSMB Executive Director Adam Kask will represent the state's soybean industry on this educational tour. For Bensend, who also serves on the Soy Transportation Coalition, this marks his first visit to New York City and his inaugural participation in the Big Apple Tour.
"One of my objectives is to learn more about the biofuels industry and its potential as it pertains to the shipping industry, such as locomotives, tugboats, etc.," Bensend stated, highlighting the tour's relevance to transportation and logistics in the soybean industry.
The tour's itinerary includes educational sessions focused on how New York City and New Jersey are utilizing biodiesel and renewable diesel to reduce their carbon footprint. Participants will also visit key sites such as the National Oil Heat Research & Education Center to gain insights into the Bioheat industry in the Northeast.
Adam Kask emphasized the importance of Bioheat in the region, noting, "Heating oil is still a major heating source in the northeast and especially New York City, so they've been very supportive of Bioheat, which uses biodiesel, supports the soybean industry and is better for your health and the environment."
The tour will also showcase how biodiesel is being used in various city vehicles, including fire, police, and sanitation departments, demonstrating the practical applications of biofuels in urban settings.
For Bensend, the tour represents an opportunity to gain valuable insights into industry trends and policy impacts on the biofuels and soybean economy. "As a producer the more I can know and understand, the better," he said, expressing his aim to use this knowledge to help guide WSMB's efforts in supporting Wisconsin soybean producers.
