Most of the world’s biofuel is produced using edible oils such as rapeseed, soybean and palm as a feedstock. This practice is of wide concern because it contributes to price escalation of associated food products and criticism that biodiesel production competes with food production for valuable fertile farming land. Jatoil addresses this issue by growing the second generation, non-edible seed oil crop jatropha curcas on land that is unused or unsuitable for food crops.

Jatropha is a hardy bush, able to grow in areas with poor soils and low rainfall. It has grown across Asia for many years and has been used as a natural hedge and for producing traditional medicines. At present there are few large-scale commercial operations involving jatropha, although there is growing commercial interest. The plant can produce commercial seed yields within two years of planting. It reaches maturity in 4-5 years and is usually productive for at least 30 years. When ripe, the fruit is collected by hand and the seeds are separated from the fruit. The residual fruit biomass can be used as an organic crop fertiliser. The seeds, with an oil content of up to 40 per cent, are then pressed to extract the oil, leaving a residue or oil seedcake. The seedcake is valuable as a fuel for domestic or export markets. After filtration, the crude jatropha oil is suitable for processing into biodiesel that complies with European and US standards.

Estimates of oil yield from jatropha vary depending on plant genetics and growing conditions. Under rain-fed conditions, yields in excess of 1.6 t/ha have been reported. Current breeding programs aim to improve oil yield beyond this level.