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It should be noted that most of our current project emphasis is on the cultivation ofJatropha and the necessary preparation of land and communities, as opposed to theprocessing of Jatropha seeds into Jatropha vegetable oil, or the further processingof the crude oil into biodiesel |
The implementation of the Kyoto Protocol starting on February 16, 2005 and its ratification by 175 countries and government agencies encouraged the passage of legislation by numerous countries mandating the use of biofuel in order to reduce greenhouse gases. Efforts to produce biofuels were made more urgent by the subsequent surge in petroleum prices. However, the shift of food crops - such as corn and oil palm - to biofuel uses also contributed to spikes in the prices of basic food items, further debilitating those who can least afford it. Recognizing this challenge and the opportunity, the Agritech Team, by late 2005, resolved to address the market need for biofuels while avoiding the use of food crops and prime agricultural land. |