We have concluded through this experience and other scientific studies in the area of frost tolerance that this 40 year producing tree will take up to 4 years to mature and adapt to the Florida winters. Our final research will be completed in 2012 when our trees have reached that maturity level and can supply us with accurate Florida commercial yield information.

Here in the US, plantations are only possible in the southern parts of Florida, Texas, California and Arizona. This situation creates an opportunity for Florida growers to capitalize on the US demand for Biodiesel now and the rising demand that will be created through government mandates in the future with almost no competition for now on the national level.

Jatropha Curcas belongs to the euphorbia family and is a drought-resistant bush with spreading branches and stubby twigs that grow up to 50 feet high under favorable conditions. It was first introduced by the Portuguese in the 1600’s, and exists naturally in Florida. Jatropha plants may live over 50 years, producing seeds for at least 40 years that are composed of 30 to 40% oil by weight and which is similar to vegetable oil. This oil can easily be refined into Biodiesel in the same way as soybean oil and palm oil.

Florida Frost Tolerance

There has been much press in Florida about the potential damaging effects of frost on Jatropha in Florida. Our company has completed two years of a four year Jatropha frost-tolerance research program. We have also traveled to commercial sized operations in foreign countries where the crops suffer through 30~40 frost events per winter and occaisional snowfall.