“New” Oilseed Tree Out-Produces Soybeans By A Factor Of 10

“New” Oilseed Tree Out-Produces Soybeans By A Factor Of 10 CROPS New Crops The pongamia tree produces seeds the size of soybeans but a mature stand will yield 10 times more oil per acre The tree is catching on in southern Florida and Hawaii “The pongamia tree is a good alternative for growers in both states who are having trouble with citrus and sugar cane ” says Peter McClure TerViva TerViva is promoting the tree and developing high-yielding cultivars as well as setting up processing and marketing for the seed The tree is native to India and Australia Seeds contain 40 percent oil and the seed cake is high in protein TerViva describes the seeds as “soybeans on a tree” and they’re expected to compete well in the biofuel and livestock feed markets “The cost to establish is similar to planting a citrus orchard ” says McClure “The same infrastructure of irrigation and drainage that works for citrus also works for pongamia One benefit is that it’s a legume so there is less need for nitrogen ” TerViva is selling seedlings for about $10 each with a goal of 100 to 120 trees per acre when the orchard is established McClure says trees start producing at 4 years and reach full production by 8 years Peak production is maintained for decades with a lifespan of 40 to 70 years Seeds are harvested with a pistachio shaker McClure reports the tree is very hearty and robust resistant to disease and pests The first trees planted in Florida are around 6 years old and have yet to be treated for either “The pongamia is self-pollinating and stands up to flooding that occurs with hurricanes and heavy rains ” says McClure “It’s very tolerant of pH ranges and soil types ” McClure notes that the early plantings were proof of concept to show citrus growers the potential of pongamia So far the state has around 300 acres of the oilseed orchards with another 100 acres in Hawaii “With the data in hand growers are ordering trees for commercial planting ” says McClure “Scaling up nurseries to produce the trees is the only thing holding the industry back We have more demand than trees to sell ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup TerViva 436 14th St #1405 Oakland Calif 94612 www terviva com

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