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Ohio Soybean Association pushing for biodiesel tax credit to grow renewable fuel market in the state

The Ohio Soybean Association says lawmakers are currently considering proposals that could help expand Ohio’s biofuels sector in 2027.

Brandon Kern, deputy executive director, says the organization is supporting legislation that would incentivize biodiesel production across the state.

“Bio-based diesel is actually cheaper than petroleum-based diesel right now,” he says. “It gives us another option. If we can increase the amount of that in the marketplace, it’s only going to help insulate prices for the future.”

Northwest Ohio farmer Rusty Goebel says it could also create new economic activity throughout the supply chain.

“There’s a lot of soybeans that need to be processed in Ohio,” he says. “If we can get someone here in the state, we could keep it in our area. If we can get a cheaper fuel in Ohio, that would be a benefit to the general public, not just farmers.”

The legislation is expected to be considered when the Ohio General Assembly returns to Columbus for the 2027 legislative session on January 4th.

Brownfield interviewed Kern and Goebel during the 2026 Farm Science Review.

AUDIO: Brandon Kern

AUDIO: Rusty Goebel