According to the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division, Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, world interest and demand for biodiesel production (for motor and heating fuel) is increasing. Europe is said to be the main area for large volume production, and is still expanding. Brazil’s Probiodisel Program is looking into oilseed feedstock like soybean, palm, coconut, castor seed, cottonseed and sunflower. Soybean is reportedly the main commodity in Brazilian oilcrop production and is well advanced in research. Although it is seen as the most likely viable option for a biodiesel industry, other options in the country’s North and Northeast are being considered. These options include castor and palm oils.

The Philippines is mentioned as the first country to develop coconut oil (including coconut oil methyl esters) for use as transport fuel. Presently, the use of one percent coconut biodiesel blends is required for use in government vehicles. In the United States, soybean is the main feedstock for biodiesel production. Biodiesel service stations are available in some States, and some vehicles are also reported to run on biodiesel..