Sorghum's Potential in Alternative Fuel Production Discussed

The increasing high cost of gasoline has been the cause of the continuing economic hardships worldwide. Development of alternative fuel is thus a critical issue, the focus of the International Conference on Sorghum for Biofuels in Houston, Texas, which was attended by more than 200 international experts from government, academia, the private sector and the agricultural community. Sorghum is grown for its grain, sugar, and high lignocellulose content suitable for biofuel production. Sorghum does not require lots of water for its growth, has short growing season, and has the ability to grow on 80% of the world’s land including some marginal areas.

Discussions on the development and utilization of sorghum as a biofuel feedstock led to a collaborative agreement for biofuel research between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China. In addition, the agreement encourages the establishment of collaboration among scientists worldwide to contribute to alternative energy research through the development of other alternative feedstocks.

Download the press release for more information at: http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=653