Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel Fuel It really irks me that with gas prices skyrocketing I don't see our nation doing much to make the move towards alternative fuels. While we continue to pander to politics, we are being left in the dust by countries like Brazil, who are rapidly working to reduce their dependency on foreign oil. Brazil, already a force in agriculture just completed its first refinery for Biodiesel fuel scheduled to produce nearly 3 and one half million gallons of Biodiesel each year. Soy, castor beans and sunflower, crops we produce in the U.S. as well are being used in the processing. Innovative programs in Brazil like the flex-fuel initiative have been in place for a couple of years so converting isn't a major issue as many of their automobiles run on a mix that already includes a 22% blend of sugar cane and ethanol. It is reported that Brazil is promoting Biodiesel not only for it's benefits to the environment and the economy but also for it's ability to empower the small farmer. Too bad the US doesn't share this vision. I'm Susan Allen and this is Food Forethought. Source: Green olean.com Ethical Corperation.com 4/14/2005