Brazil to allow imported feedstock for biodiesel production

In Brazil, Platts reports the government has given the green light to use imported soy as feedstock for biodiesel in light of the ongoing supply shortage nationally. Soybean and soy oil stocks are at 20-year lows which have pushed up prices significantly. The biodiesel blending mandate has focused on domestic production until now as a way to support small farmers, ensuring that feedstock is produced on small family farms through the social seal program. The decision made last week by the National Energy Policy Council wasn’t clear on the timeframe that imports would be allowed for feedstock.