Tequila Fruit Looks Ideal for Producing Ethanol

ShortNews.com
08/10/2008 02:08 AM ID: 72636

Agave, a fruit used in tequila and commonly grown in Mexico, has been shown to be able to produce 2,000 gallons of ethanol for each acre versus corn which only produces 300-400 gals. While sugar cane produces 600-800 gallons, it drives deforestation.

Agave thrives in dry and arid areas which are common in poor rural regions in Mexico which produces 95% of the world's agave. Agave adds nitrogen to the soil and does not need a lot of water to grow. Cellulose is not needed to spur production.

Producing agave for ethanol could reduce poverty in Mexico. Agave production in Mexico decreased in 2007 by 25-35% as farmers focused more on corn for the growing ethanol market. The price of tequila rose sharply then. Now it may rise even more.

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