Volatile fuel prices and ever-growing concern for the environment have made "biodiesel" one of the year's biggest buzzwords. That momentum will continue well into 2007, predicts the state's agriculture head.

Chuck Hartke, Illinois agriculture director, said on a recent conference call that biodiesel will take an even more integral role in the coming year as researchers continue to cultivate the product.

"Bio-fuels can be blended," Hartke said. "It's a good, clean-burning renewable energy so I think we'll see a continued demand for biodiesel."

A domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines, biodiesel comes from natural oils such as soybean oil.

However, Hartke said he believes 2007 will bring not only a surge in popularity of biodiesel, but a push to experiment with other sources.

"It may not all come from soybeans," Hartke said. "There are certain corn companies that are working to use it as a substitute for soybean oil."

Agriculturally, Hartke said it makes a great deal of sense to continue cultivating products that use a natural product for several reasons.

"Soybean oil is a great human food as well, and there's a great seed supply," Hartke said.

ashley.wiehle@thesouthern.com

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