Western Biofuels Research
Camelina Biofuel Development Center Slated for Bozeman
By David Nolt, 2-11-08
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Sustainable Oils, a new joint venture between Seattle-based Targeted Growth and Houston-based Green Earth Fuels, will be expanding in Bozeman soon. The research and development center will provide genetically refined seeds to Montana camelina producers and will also purchase camelina crops produced from those seeds through contractual agreements. The harvest will then be refined to produce biodiesel – 100 million gallons worth by 2010, according to the company.
The European Camelina sativa plant is particularly suited for Montana’s cool, arid climate. Recent support for biofuel production of camelina from Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester is creating a friendlier environment for camelina producers in Montana; first-time camelina growers in the 32 counties covered by Montana’s Agro Energy Plan can now recoup some of their seed costs.
“I believe Montana is going to be the poster child for developing a crop like this because of the great support from Helena and the industry at large,” Sustainable Oils President Donald Panter posits.
The Sustainable Oils center will be a new addition to the WestBred research and development center on Timberline Drive in Bozeman. Genetic technologies there will provide gene modification to inherent camelina genes to improve yield. Panter says the crop is a “nice fit” for Montana because it grows well in low fertility soils and areas less than optimal for many crops. Camelina also rotates well with wheat and barley crops, and the harvesting process will not require farmers to invest in new equipment. Camelina is also very high in omega-3 fatty acids. The gum coating from camelina seeds can help other seeds endure harsh environments, and meal from the crushing process can be used to feed livestock.
Panter says growing camelina will benefit Montana family farms, but it will also benefit the nation as a whole.
“First of all, for Montana growers, it is another alternative to their crop production…and will help them maximize their profits. For Montana itself, it creates an entire new industry. For the nation, it’s pretty clear, I think, that anything we can do to improve our ability to produce fuel at home in a sustainable way is good for the country.”
Last week a report by the journal Science grabbed the attention of the biofuel world with studies showing biofuel crop production can actually be worse for the environment than fossil fuels, depending on how and where biofuel crops are produced. The Science study showed how conversion of rainforests, peatlands, savannas and grasslands into biofuel production can result in 17 to 420 times more CO2 released than from fossil fuels. Panter says biofuel production is complex, and all factors of crop production and refinery must be taken into account. Because camelina thrives on marginal lands, Panter says it is a perfect fuel to meet the needs of a growing population.
“One of the reasons camelina fits in so well is because it is targeted at areas that are not already large native carbon sinks,” Panter says.
There is currently no national commodities market for camelina, and Panter was unable to provide prices for the oilseed crop. As for jobs in Montana, Panter says the greatest boon will obviously be for camelina farmers. Growth for Sustainable Oils will be commensurate with camelina acreage in the state. Montana camelina crops will be crushed in-state, but Panter says his company has not yet committed to a location for the biodiesel production plant. The Bozeman center should be finished by late summer 2008.
Several areas in the West – particularly the Four Corners region – also hold potential for camelina production.
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Comments
Not only will it lower the value of conventional Camelina in the state (meal and oil) because it will be much harder to certify non GMO status to buyers, but we'll see that same nasty control games that Monsanto plays with farmers everywhere through genetic property rights. Selective breeding works fine if you want to change the yield properties. That’s not what this is about though.
Since we have no real non corporatized leadership at MSU, from our Governor, or Senators on this, its up to John Q Public and the production community to say NO GMO - go back to Seattle or Monsanto or wherever rock you came out from under!