9 June, 14.00hr – 17.45hr
A to Z of JATROPHA CURCAS L.
(Separately Bookable)

Message from Workshop Leader:

In our search for renewable energy sources, Jatropha curcas has been promoted as a bio-energy crop with huge potentials. The claims on Jatropha curcas are based on a number of positive traits and characteristics, each of them observed separately from the other and under different circumstances. Real numbers and scientifically sound publications are hardly found, and you may wonder why. In this workshop we will introduce you to a better understanding of the plant and we will address the claims and facts on Jatropha curcas through a plant physiological and production ecological approach. The workshop will help you to get realistic expectations of the crop as a renewable energy source.

Workshop Leader: Dr. ir. R.E.E. (Raymond) Jongschaap
Teamleader, Global Jatropha curcas Evaluation Program
Plant Research International
Wageningen University and Research Centre

Dr. ir R.E.E. (Raymond) Jongschaap is the Team Leader of the Global Jatropha curcas Evaluation Program (www.jatropha.wur.nl) at Plant Research International (www.pri.wur.nl), part of Wageningen University and Research centre (www.wur.nl) in the Netherlands. The evaluation programme generates scientifically sound information on Jatropha curcas by studying the genetic variability of Jatropha curcas in the world and relating that to local traits that are important for the sustainable crop (oil) production at small and at large scale.

Raymond Jongschaap's career in tropical crop science, integrated farming systems, soil science and dynamic simulation modeling is build upon the production ecological approach of C.T. de Wit. The production ecological approach explains the behaviour of ecological systems at higher integration levels by studying system processes at lower levels. His research group at Plant Research International focuses on Agrosystems research at different scales, from the sustainable production on plot level to (integrated) farming systems, from regional studies to global explorations, all based on the optimization of natural resources, such as water and nutrients. He is currently involved in the global debate on the production of Food, Feed and Fuel and the potentials of bio-energy with regards to limitations set by the availability of land and (natural) resources.

Workshop Outline:

Introduction to the role of Jatropha curcas in bio-fuel supply
• Role of the plant in bio-fuel production
• Characteristic of the plant
• Large and small scale production
• Sustainable production of bio-fuels

Claims and Facts
• Planting in marginal soil and waste land reclamation
• Drought resistance / Low water use
• Low nutrient requirements
• High oil yield
• Low labour input
• Competing claims between food and biofuel production
• Tolerance to pests and diseases

Agronomy
• Soil conditions 
• Nutrient management
• Pest & disease management 
• Pruning & flower induction
• Intercropping 
• Irrigation

Genetics, Breeding and Propagation Techniques
• Accessions and varieties 
• Crop traits
• Breeding schemes 
• Propagation techniques

Processing
• Oil fraction and quality 
• Press technology
• Solvent extraction 
• By-products and their use

COMPETITIVENESS OF JATROPHA AND ITS FINANCING, AGRONOMIC & PROCESSING CHALLENGES

JATROPHAWORLD2008 connects you with a network of knowledgeable practitioners and investors. Register early to guarantee your place.

Jatropha curcas, a lowly forest plant that originates from Central America and used widely in India as fence crop, has recently found itself in the limelight of global search for alternative Biodiesel feedstock.

It is a perennial plant with high oil-content that grows well on land not suitable for food crop, and could be an economic development engine in poor rural areas. It is highly advocated by its supporters because it is non-edible and does not compete in the food-chain.

Big plantations involving thousands and hundreds acres picked up steam in numerous countries, (US, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, China, India, Philippines, Indonesia to name a few) as they adopt the Jatropha system to subsidize their energy needs, or for community development.

But as with any new crop, comes unknowns. Even as it grows in arid lands and degraded soils, does it mean that fertilizer is not required to produce higher yields? How about water/irrigation system? Should we be concerned with pests and diseases? 

Also as jatropha plantation scale up for commercial production, it is pertinent to find
new technology to address plant growth and
yield enhancements.

Following CMT’s 1st JATROPHAWORLD2008 conference in Indonesia last January, the Miami conference is where you want to be! JatrophaWorld is the MUST attend event if you are serious with Jatropha venture, register with you team now!

Vital Reasons to Attend JATROPHAWORLD2008

• GRASP details of seed certification and standards, country policies and pricing for seed trading
• OBTAIN valuable insight from
 international speaker panel consisting
 of plantation developers, biodiesel producers, agronomists, geneticists, process technology vendors and financiers
• EVALUATE the Jatropha economics and investment outlook
• ACQUIRE expert advice on agricultural land use planning
• IDENTIFY best agronomic practices and plantation management
• RECEIVE updates on latest seed processing, oil extraction, refining and blending technologies
• TAP ON the experience of prestige projects in Americas, Africa and Asia
• DISCOVER latest findings on genetic variety
• ASSESS fuel quality specification of biodiesel from jatropha
• CLARIFY YOUR DOUBTS by participating in 3 interactive discussions and Q&A sessions
• ENJOY over 8 hours of business networking opportunities
• ATTRACT and SECURE investment partners for your projects

You will network with
• Current & Potential Biofuels Producers
• Power Producers
• Regional Plantation Owners / Investors 
• Oilseed processing industry players
• Institutional Investors
• Financiers and venture capitalist, project and finance managers
• Commodity Brokers and Analysts
• Renewable Energy Consultants
• Agrobiotech, Fertilizer & Crop Protection Company Executives
• Biofuels Technology and Equipment Suppliers
• Commodity Testing, Inspection and Surveyors
• Agricultural Machine Suppliers
• Environmental Engineers
• Energy & Environment Researchers
• Fuel Marketers & Distributors
• Auto-makers, engine and power generating set manufacturers
• Biotechnology Researcher, Agronomist, Geneticist

PLUS: Pre-Conference Workshop on A to Z of Jatropha Curcas L. and
Site Visit to Jatropha nursery