Castor oil production for biodiesel in Bahia to jump 560%

In Brazil, castor oil production is set to increase 560% in the state of Bahia during 2013/14 for a total of 76,000 metric tons. The increase in demand comes from increased use of the crop as feedstock for biodiesel under the social seal program that rewards oil companies for buying feedstock produced by small farmers. Currently 95% of the biodiesel feedstock used in Brazil is soy oil.