Florida’s Sustainable Energy Farm at Destiny, the eco-sustainable community, plants jatropha, camelina, and new hybrids of sweet sorghum

In Florida, the Sustainable Energy Farm at Destiny, America’s first eco-sustainable city, announced that it has planted new biomass crops including jatropha, camelina, and new hybrids of sweet sorghum.  Several varieties of sweet sorghum were donated by Global Renewable Energy, and planted by Everglades Farm Equipment.

The camelina and jatropha were planted by Bio Greens Oils USA. The Sustainable Energy Farm is also planning to grow arundo donax, a perennial grass, with potential yields of 30 to 35 tons of biomass per acre. Scientists at the University of Florida will research yields per acre, water and fertilizer consumption, different harvesting techniques, and suitability to the Central Florida climate.

Destiny, Florida spans 64 square miles, or 41,300-acres, and includes more than 25,000 acres of preserved, open space in southern Osceola County.  Destiny will provide a variety of industries with a new regional commerce hub located within a day’s drive of 30 million consumers.  As the future home to scientists, engineers, clean-tech innovators and university research centers, Destiny will be a well-balanced mix of new technology, educational excellence, longevity-based lifestyles, and social and cultural centers.

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