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Promise for biofuels soarsAs farmers from across the United States gathered this week to discuss the future of their industry, another industry tested its wings. Virgin Atlantic became the first commercial airline to test biofuels in one of its jets. While the Boeing 747 held no passengers, and the fuel was a blend of babassu and coconut oil, not soy oil, it was described as a "breakthrough." The fuel was a mixture of traditional jet fuel, kerosene and biofuels. It shows the promise for a marriage between the biofuel industry and the airline industry. The flight was a test flight between London and Amsterdam. Virgin Atlantic's Richard Branson called the flight "history in the making." Biofuels were a hot topic at the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville. As futures prices soar, farmers discussed the volatility in their industry this year. And while there is some trepidation, they remain excited about the biofuels industry and their role in it. The Virgin Atlantic flight was criticized by environmentalists, who never seem to be pleased, because of the land that could be taken away from producing food for the world's poor to produce fuel for the rich. It is safe to say that we are just in the opening act of biofuels industry. It is also safe to say that no one expects corn and soybeans to fill the world's new hunger for biofuels. But what is exciting is the promise in the biofuels industry. I have faith in the world's scientists that they will find ways to improve the biofuel production processes. They will also find crops that will yield higher amounts of fuel and that leave a smaller footprint on the world. I also have faith in the agriculture industry. I know that they will respond accordingly. In that light, it is exciting to see biofuels take off in a Boeing 747. Holly Martin can be reached by phone at 1-800-452-7171 ext. 1806 or e-mail at hmartin@hpj.com. 3/3/08 Date: 2/27/08
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