Dole Converts Farm Equipment in Calif., Ariz. to Biodiesel
Submitted by DTN Ethanol Blog
CRANBURY, N.J. (DTN) — Dole Fresh Vegetables Company, a division of Dole Food Company, Inc., said in a news release that it has converted all of its harvesting equipment in Salinas, Calif., and in Yuma, Ariz., to B20 — a 20-percent biodiesel to 80-percent diesel fuel blend.
Biodiesel is a domestic renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils.
According to Environmental Protection Agency, biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have a complete evaluation of emission results and potential health effects submitted to the U.S. EPA under the Clean Air Act Section 211 (b). Dole notes that the EPA has determined that B20 has 20 percent less unburned hydrocarbons than conventional diesel as well as less carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
“[B]eing good stewards of the environment is very important to Dole and this includes reducing emissions and using alternative sources of energy,” said Kevin Fiori, Dole senior vice president of Agriculture Operations.
Dole said it has been testing B20 since August 2007 in farm equipment and off-road vehicles with very positive results.
“Those of us in agriculture, who depend on the environment, land, water and air quality to grow foods, are keenly aware of the importance of applying sustainable agricultural practices,” Fiori said.
Dole Food Company, which posted revenues in 2006 of $6.2 billion, is the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut flowers.
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