Biofuels Workshop Scheduled In Sebring

A biofuels workshop featuring some of the top experts in the field has been scheduled next month in Sebring.

The free workshop will be held March 5 at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center in Sebring. It will run from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

John Alleyne, commercial horticulture extension agent of Highlands County/University of Florida, talked about the event with the board of directors of the Highlands County Industrial Development Authority/Economic Development Commission on Wednesday.

Alleyne said some of the "best speakers in the discipline" will be participating.

They include: Zane Helsel, professor and director of the Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment at Rutgers University; Robert Gilbert, associate professor, Agronomy Department, Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida; and Wagner Vendrame, associate professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida.

"Agronomy Requirements for Sweet Sorghum and Energy Canes," Producing Sugar Cane for Ethanol" and "Jatropha as a Potential Biofuel Crop" are among the topics that will be discussed. Another topic is "Water Quality and Quantity Aspects of Biofuel Production."

It was mentioned during the meeting that Highlands County is interested in partnering with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office to set aside five acres of land to grow some demonstration crops at the inmate farm off Arbuckle Creek Road.

Dan Murphy, the EDC's executive director, said Highlands is attractive for companies because of the amount of land and industrial space it has.

Murphy said Florida is becoming a leader in biofuels and has strong support from Secretary of Agriculture Charles Bronson.

Murphy noted that Verenium Corp., which is scheduled to break ground on its Highlands plant in the fourth quarter of this year, has test crops in production.

Alleyne asked the EDC at the meeting if it would sponsor the lunch for the event. The board agreed to put up $200.

Pre-registration is required. Those who want to attend should call or e-mail Kristin at 863-402-6540 or kristinhoffman@ufl.edu by Feb. 20.

Murphy said he would like to video tape the sessions to be able to distribute them.