New Zealand Starts Rapeseed Biodiesel Trials

New Zealand is on its way in the development of the biofuels industry, ensuring adequate supply of feedstocks for biodiesel production. Although tallow (animal fat from meat processing plants) and used cooking oil (from food processing commercial establishments) are considered as potential biodiesel feedstocks, oilseed crops like rapeseed are being considered as supplemental feedstock supply.

The “biofpr” website reports that  Biodiesel New Zealand, is seeking cropping farmers who would plant rapeseed for a 1500 hectare biofuel trial in South Island. The planting, scheduled to start in October, covers “North Otago and Canterbury, south of the Ashburton River and north of the Waimakariri River, and as far south as Southland”.  Planting boundaries are regulated to prevent contamination of vegetable seed crops for export. Under the agreement, the company will shoulder transport costs and compensate farmers in staggered payments. The farmers would initially cover the cost of seeds, which would be repaid after crop harvest. The trial will provide more information on cost/benefit assessment of rapeseed as biodiesel feedstock in the region.