A PROJECT aiming to develop biodiesel feedstock that does not compete with food crops and that can be grown in dry conditions has won the $10,000 Case IH biodiesel research grant.
The winning project, submitted by Australian Agricultural Crop Technologies, will attempt to find an improved Indian mustard seed cultivar suitable for use in biodiesel production.
Case IH marketing manager Stuart Brown said the project would address one of the critical issues of biodiesel production.
"Biodiesels can't be produced without sufficient and appropriate feedstock," Stuart said. "Supply has been a major problem. In fact, five Australian biodiesel plants have ceased operation because of the lack of reliable, consistent feedstock.
"Australian Agricultural Crop Technologies is working on improving Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivars for sustainable biodiesel production in drier environments.
"Basically, they're trying to develop a crop that is suitable for use only in biodiesel production, and which can be grown on land that couldn't sustain a food crop.
"This project will help address the food versus fuel debate at the same time as helping meet the need for biodiesel crops."
The grant will be used to accelerate the commercial development of AACT's long-term project.
AACT was also successful in gaining a $10,000 grant from the NSW Department of Lands.
Lands Minister Tony Kelly established the government grant program after endorsing the Case IH program.
AACT's project leader Daryl Young said the research involves two facets - a plant breeding component based near Narrabri in NSW, and a crushing, manufacturing and testing component. Both parts of the project are being run in conjunction with Sydney University.
"The Case IH funding will pay for assessment of the oil quality through laboratory testing at Sydney University," Daryl said.
He believes research into biodiesel is vital.
"Fossil fuels are such an important part of our economy, but science has clearly established that it's not an unlimited supply," he said.
"Ethically and environmentally, it's a critical area of research."
The Case IH biodiesels research grant was established this year as part of Case IH's ongoing commitment to the agricultural industry.
"Biodiesel will not provide all the answers to every environmental and fuel crisis concern, but it will be an important part of the solution," Stuart said.
