The North Carolina Biodiesel Association convened in Pittsboro for its annual meeting on 4 November 2011. All five of the major biodiesel producers in North Carolina were represented at the meeting: Triangle Biofuels (Wilson); Piedmont Biofuels (Pittsboro); Patriot Biodiesel (Greensboro); Blue Ridge Biofuels (Asheville); and Foothills Bio-Energies (Lenoir).

The annual meeting included a number of agenda topics ranging from feedstock supply issues to a technical update on biodiesel production processes. The meeting featured a presentation about the Appalachian State University Biodiesel Research Facility, which will serve as a resource for the entire biodiesel sector in North Carolina.

A discussion on biodiesel policy matters at the state and federal level concluded with a recommendation to work with state leaders to improve biodiesel incentives. Current biodiesel policies in North Carolina are less favorable than those in place in Virginia and South Carolina.

Rachel Burton, one of the founders of Piedmont Biofuels, was also recognized for receiving a national award as “Biodiesel Researcher of the Year” by the National Biodiesel Board at a ceremony in Kansas City, Missouri.