Proposed Biodiesel Cultivation in Argentina Using Camelina sativa
ArgBioInvest and GreenerPro promotes the sustainable cultivation of Camelina sativa in Argentina
Camelina seed contains upto 40% oil rich in omega 3,6 and 9.
We will offer a biofuel (feedstock) with the same performance as that of conventional diesel or kerosene, at a very competitive price and produced in a truly sustainable way. By introducing the Double Crop Strategy we avoid the pitfalls associated with using agricultural land for biofuels and the consequent interference with food production. We will also use marginal lands not currently producing food.
Facts
2010
| Two years ago: | |
| Last year: | |
| This year (forecast): | 0 |
| Year 2 (forecast): | 967,286 |
| Year 3 (forecast): | 2,275,412 |
| Two years ago: | |
| Last year: | |
| This year (forecast): | 0 |
| Year 2 (forecast): | 205,074 |
| Year 3 (forecast): | 546,660 |
| Two years ago: | |
| Last year: | |
| This year (forecast): | 2 |
| Year 2 (forecast): | 5 |
| Year 3 (forecast): | 8 |
Finance needed
| Finance needed for fixed assets (buying of machines, buildings, ...) | 0 |
| Finance needed for working capital (salaries, stock, rental, leasing, transport, ...) | 717,111 |
| Total finance needed (US$) | 717,111 |
How do you expect this to be financed? Please note: the total amount mentioned here should be equal to the total finance needed at the previous question.
| Own Contribution in cash | 215,133 |
| Loans (debt) | 0 |
| Share capital that you seek from investors (equity) | 501,978 |
| Other sources | 0 |
| Total finance needed (US$) | 717,111 |
The Business
We propose to develop the sustainable cultivation of Camelina sativa in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, focusing on biofuel production without its pitfalls. Our product range has been developed to accommodate this process and includes marketing, logistics, processing, production and cultivation of Camelina sativa as described in our Camelina Value Chain, or to put it more simply: from soil to tank.
There is a great need for sustainable biofuels deriving from a truly low-input and sustainable oil crop for temperate climate zones. Increased demand for omega 3 supplements not derived from fish.
Our first main activity will be to promote the cultivation of camelina to obtain the seeds. Part of the seeds will be processed by third-party expellers to obtain oil and meal. A complete vertical integration including solvent extraction and the production of biodiesel is our long-term objective.
We can market all our products by using the international trade market in Rosario or directly in Rotterdam. We can sell the oil in the form of edible oil or technical oil depending on market conditions. Regarding international distribution, Argentina has very good harbors for international cargo and bulk shipments of oil, meal and seeds. There is a well-developed infrastructure for the production, storage and transport of oils and seeds.
The market for camelina oil can be divided into technical and edible oils. In many applications it can replace the use of canola or rapeseed oil. The use as a bio-kerosene opens an immense market and will be our main target depending on the price of mineral oil. Oil traders (on behalf of air-companies) in Rotterdam will be our main clients. For the main byproduct, camelina meal there is a growing market as cattle feed in Argentina.
Other vegetable oils like palm, rapeseed and soya are the competitor for camelina. Camelina oil has important advantages for both edible and technical use. The use of technical oil has to compete against mineral oil. The demand for fossil fuels is growing fast year on year with dwindling oil reserves. It is thus expected that the crude oil price continues rising making room for the use of camelina oil as a cheaper alternative.
Cultivation of camelina is the most profitable crop and even outperforms soya in a double crop cultivation. Camelina can grow on marginal soils. Camelina is a truly sustainable second generation bio-fuel.
Our mission is to introduce and cultivate camelina successfully in Argentina by starting a Camelina Technology Center. In essence we will promote cultivating camelina by carrying out field tests in the first year and doing considerable promotional work. This will enable us to select the right camelina variety for Argentina and to gather hard data about its performance, as well as attracting attention from the farming community.
It is also our mission to develop and promote new markets for camelina products both in Argentina and worldwide. In short, we want to create, develop and manage the complete Camelina Value Chain including marketing, logistics, processing, (biofuel)production from the ground up. Huge acreage (the size of half of Italy) of both high and low quality soils suitable for camelina are available for growth of production.
The Entrepreneur & Management
CPC is based in Tres Arroyos, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. It is in the middle of the main agricultural area of South Buenos Aires (about 3,500,000 ha) where sunflower and wheat are the most traditional crops. CTC is an alliance between ArgBioInvest and GreenerPro. We have a well-equipped office, a presentation room, a 4x4 vehicle, laboratory equipment and good relationships with the agronomic business environment.
Based on its in-depth understanding of the Argentine agro-industrial sector, ArgBioInvest is well-qualified to provide advice on the development of bioenergy projects.
GreenerPro CEO John Venema has seven years’ experience in oleochemistry, oil processing and biodiesel production. He is a recognized authority on the commercial development and production of medium-scale biodiesel plants and a promoter of sustainable oil crops.
This business will require 2 people full time working on the project in the first year and 8 people in year three.
Development
As camelina grows off-season it will generate new employment and offers new incentives for rural development. This effect will be even stronger if we expand the camelina cultivation to low-quality soils, soils not currently in use. Camelina brings moisture and nutrients to the topsoil to the benefit of the crop that follows camelina and will stop erosion. Cultivating camelina is also a win-win situation for both the farmer and the environment.