Researchers at North Dakota State University are developing new varieties of soybeans and canola with higher oil content to be used for producing biodiesel, and genetically modified plants might not be far away.
The university obtained $13 million in private and public funding to engineer plants.
I would think that genetically modifying corn, soy, or canola for use as a fuel stock would be an attractive option for agribusiness. Monsanto and Dupont are reportedly working on modifying corn plants. Of course there are concerns about genetically modified plants crossing into the food crops, but that probably won't stop the pursuit of engineering more efficient plants.
Also, in Iowa, Governor Tom Vilsack signed a law giving a 25-cent-per-gallon tax incentive for purchasing E85 sold and a 3-cent-a-gallon break for biodiesel.
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