Vietnam

   

Vietnam is the location of Jatoil’s first large scale biofuel operations because it offers significant attractions for jatropha production. The availability of marginal land and strong domestic fuel markets, together with supportive government policies for biofuels and rural development are major factors. Since jatropha is able to grow in marginal soils not being utilised for food production, it creates a new industry that can provide incremental income for farmers in poorer, rural areas.

Jatoil's commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability is supported by partnerships with established local companies to leverage networks and knowledge. Our local partner, Green Energy Vietnam (GEV), has developed a strong network of partners in government, with farmer co-operatives, agronomy specialists and experts in rural development - such as the Dutch development organisation SNV.

The business model is based on contract farming of jatropha, through commercial producer organisations -farmer co-operatives. The co-operatives represent the interests of the farmers, enabling them to access better prices for farm inputs and to manage harvest logistics and payments. In return, GEV provides seedlings, training and other farm inputs to establish the trees and purchases the harvested seed. Contracts are established in consultation with the co-operatives, local government representatives and SNV to ensure fairness to all parties. Farmers receive a stable income and retain control of their land in line with our social and environmental sustainability policy, and Jatoil is guaranteed receipt of the harvest. The system reduces supply chain complexities. One added benefit for the farmers is the opportunity to intercrop or graze livestock on the land during the maturation of the jatropha trees. At present, GEV is undertaking its first major expansion to plant approximately 850 hectares by the middle of 2010. Plans are for up to 25,000 hectares during the next four years, yielding approximately 40,000 tonnes of crude jatropha oil per annum at maturity.

 

Below Google Earth map of our current jatropha plots in the Nihn Thuan Region (updated after a new plot is added).

GEV_Plots_2010

 

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Field Operations Manager - Vietnam

David Granger - Field Operations Manager in Vietnam

David is in charge of the plantation expansion program. He manages the research program and training of local staff and ensures that operational standards and sustainability principles are adhered to including the transferral of best-practice in agronomic techniques.

David’s involvement in refining biofuels in Australia seeded his interest in developing biofuel projects in Asia. He founded his own company, Biodiesel Cambodia, instrumental in developing high-level awareness of biofuels in Cambodia. Biodiesel Cambodia acted as a nexus for growers, research institutions, and other industry members around the world to share and disseminate information and experiences in the field of farming jatropha. His participation in the industry is driven by his strong belief in the viability of jatropha as a biodiesel feedstock crop that not only supports a sustainable business, but is also a mechanism for poverty alleviation and a driver of economic growth.