DECATUR - Demand for biodiesel is on the rise, but an American Soybean Association executive says efforts should be made to protect farmers and consumers from unproven sources of alternative fuels.

Dwain Ford, chairman of the association and a producer from Kinmundy, told attendees at the Macon County Farm Agriculture Day breakfast Wednesday at Richland Community College that the association supports creating a renewable fuel standard.

Such a standard would protect against fuels that are called biodiesel but aren't made from soybean, Ford said.

"We know we've got things to work on, but we know soy-diesel works," Ford said. "We know it's quality."

Ford said a standard would mandate fuels be tested so they can be shown to protect vehicle engines and so the fuels would be allowed under warranties.

The standard, which would likely have to be approved by Congress, would help protect farmers, Ford said.

"Biodiesel is a huge and growing industry partially because of all the trucks involved in agriculture," said Tim Stock, Macon County Farm Bureau executive director. "If we get a renewable fuel standard, it helps guarantee a market for biodiesel and helps ensure farmers of its reliability."

Biodiesel has seen an increase in production, right along side the more highly touted, corn-based ethanol. In 2006, 200 million gallons of biodiesel were produced, a sharp increase from 1998 when 200,000 gallons were produced, Ford said.

Around 40 percent to 50 percent of soybeans, about 1 billion bushels, are exported, so Ford said the association hopes policies in the World Trade Organization and nationally with the Farm Bill reflect that importance. He added that recent trade organization policies have been disappointing.

According to the Illinois Soybean Association, Macon County has eight locations where biodiesel can be purchased.

The annual breakfast was part of National Agriculture Week, an effort to raise awareness about agricultural issues.

"We want to recognize those who help feed the world as being the country's No. 1 industry, particularly in this area," Stock said.

The soybean association, which is based in St. Louis, works to create better opportunities for soybean farmers, Ford said. Speaking at the Ag Day breakfast was one way to raise awareness, Ford said.

"So many young people don't understand what goes on, so it's important to show them the importance of agriculture," Ford said, noting the presence of several local FFA members. "There's no better place to be than the heart of soybean country right here in Decatur."

Chris Lusvardi can be reached at clusvardi@herald-review.com or 421-7972.