Will Tennessee Soybean Producers Support a Biodiesel Cooperative?

Adding value to agriculture products to create jobs is one means to achieve rural development. Tennessee soybean growers\u27 views on both biodiesel and the formation of a biodiesel cooperative are evaluated. Results from a mail survey suggest considerable interest from farmers in selling their soybeans to a biodiesel production plant. Some producers are willing to provide funding and purchase shares in a cooperative. This study provides Tennessee Extension agents a means to evaluate farmers\u27 perceptions of the development of a new generation cooperative and to help provide advice on cooperatives and how this might affect the farmer\u27s bottom line