Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are looking into peanut as a potential source of biodiesel. Some peanut varieties are being tested for field performance, and their oils “analyzed for diesel performance characteristics. A peanut variety called “Georganic” has attracted the attention of the researchers. The high oleic acid content of peanut is one characteristic that makes it a potential biodiesel source, as it is favorable for the production of high quality biodiesel. An estimated 120 gallons to 130 gallons of biodiesel can be obtained from an acre of peanut plantation. The “Georganic” variety is reported to have a high oil content, and has low production input costs. It is also not the edible type (i.e. does not pass “current edible standards for peanuts”), and therefore does not enter into the “food or fuel debate”.   Related Links: Peanut Oil Characteristics from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut_oil.