Supplies of oils and fats for non-food purposes

This lecture will survey the nature and sources of those fatty acids which are important for non-food purposes. Supply levels of the most important commodity oils will be reported. Figures from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) show a marked increase in non-food use in the last ten years. This can be explained in part, but not wholly, by the demand for biodiesel. Finally an attempt will be made to answer the question as to whether increasing supplies can meet the increasing demand for vegetable oils for both food and non-food uses.