Representative Matt Hudson and other elected officials spent a day last week touring Jatropha fields in South West Florida, in order to learn more about this renewable, sustainable source of fuel.
Working closely with the University of Florida/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences), the tour incorporated several stops including, Buckingham- Orange River Park, ECHO and, Labelle Grove Management, a 60 acre Jatropha plantation.
Jatropha Curcas is a plant that can be cultivated on arid and semi arid non-agricultural land and would never have to compete with land used for growing food. Also, on a per acre basis, Jatropha can yield up to 10 times the amount of oil as other sources of biodiesel. Jatropha is a perennial, lasting up to 50 years without replanting. Just as important is the fact that the left over portion of the seed makes an excellent organic fertilizer. Through testing the plant’s limits, it has been determined that the plant is imperviousness to insects and diseases, and can survive on little to no water.
“Biodiesel is one of many very exciting potential solutions to the energy crisis. We are making progress in finding ways to gain our countries independence from foreign oil, and this particular crop is a benefit to our growers without affecting the production food crops and our food supply.” quoted Representative Hudson.
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1 Response From My Readers
Mike Bartley wrote on Oct 21, 2008 at 6:01 am
I heard Matt defend his position on Alternative Energy on the program of a talk radio host that is the arch typical Global Warming denier. He made the case perfectly for Solar and Cellulosic Ethanol. He did not beat the drum for drill, drill, drill.
Thanks Matt. It would take a powerful Democratic opponent to stop me from voting for you.
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