Electric cars and hyb­rids have had their fair share of buzz lately on the car scene. Now they have a new and noteworthy competitor on the showroom floor. Unlike electric and hybrid cars, this newcomer gives a nod to farmers for the role they play in reshaping our energy landscape.

The introduction of the 2014 2.0-liter turbo-charged diesel four-cylinder Chevy Cruze marks the first time a passenger sedan has been approved for a 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20).

Produced from agricultural by­­products and co-products like soybean oil and beef tallow, biodiesel is classed as an Advanced Biofuel. You can use it in the majority of diesel engines in blends of up to B20. But until now, the...