The Department of Energy declares all systems go for the implementation of the Biofuels Act of 2006 on May 6, 2007. The Law, signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last January 12, mandates the implementation of the law within three month from effectivity of the Act. Mario C. Marasigan, officer in-charge of the Department’s utilization management bureau said, following a series of consultations with various stakeholders such as the public transport groups, oils companies, scientists, academe, environmentalists, coco biodiesel manufacturers and suppliers, car manufacturers, fuel experts, and farmers, the interagency group that drafted the Implementing Rules and Regulations sees no more hitches in the law’s implementation.

       The country’s oil companies are ready to implement the first phase of the law which requires, among others, the sale of B1 (1% blend of coco-biodiesel with fossil diesel) for the transport sector. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. technical manager, Jimmy Diago, assured the government of the oil company’s ability to comply with the mandated blending of 1% biodiesel in its diesel products by May 6. Petron Corp. and Chevron Philippines Inc. have also said they would comply with the law. The two giant oil firms have even set aside funds to meet the requirements of the law. Similarly, the Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association said its members are also ready to comply.

       Cocozen, a virgin coconut oil based skin care product and massage line will soon be sold at the malls through beauty carts that Nutrimedica Inc. will be franchising out in two to three months. Nutrimedica, founded by Sheila May Velilla has pioneered in the commercial production and distribution of VCO-based skin care products in a market that has long been dominated by strong global brands. At a radio program dubbed “Business Agenda sa Radyo” aired over DZAR 1026 AM where Velilla was guest, she urged Filipino to patronize Cocozen because this is made by Filipinos for Filipinos.

       Sabri Ahmad, chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) said Malaysia’s palm oil-based biodiesel production could reach 1 million MT by the end of the year despite a slower than expected development. He noted that Malaysian authorities are reviewing their licensing scheme because of 80 licenses granted, 10 facilities are expected to be ready this year, with six currently under construction.

       UK edible oil imports rose 20% in 2006 to 1.379 million MT from 1.149 million MT year-ago, according to figures from Eurostat, amid growing biodiesel industry. Palm oil was the leading import with volume at 692,459 MT growing 7.5% from 643,939 MT, trailed by soybean oil at 246,833 MT, 76.5% higher than last year at 139,840 MT. Delivery of sunflower oil totaled 199,253 MT as against 124,315 MT in the prior year and rapeseed oil stood at 92,532 MT compared to 79,207 MT previously. Coconut oil was 23,985 MT, a reduction from prior year at 27,367 MT.

       According to new research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), genetic modification could change the activity of a plant enzyme that makes possible the conversion of unsaturated oil in the seeds of temperate plants to the more saturated plants like palm oil. The resultant novel tropical-like oil has properties more like margarine than temperate oil generally produce,but without the trans fatty acids commonly found in margarine products.

       According to a new study, the global use of genetically modified crops, which allows farmers to plant using less herbicide and without tilling the soil, is significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2005, the study said, the impact in reduced carbon dioxide emissions was the equivalent of removing nearly 4 million average family cars from the road. The study estimates that since their introduction in 1996, GM crops have saved farmers 441 million gallons of fuel, leading to a 4.6 billion kilograms reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

       Cargill Vietnam Co. Ltd. has started operating its US$6-million animal feed processing factory in Long My industrial park in Tuy Phuoc district of central Binh Dinh province. Binh Dinh was chosen as the new factory site to make the most of available materials in the central highlands and other central provinces. Binh Dinh province also has Quy Nhon Port, enabling the feed processor to import materials for production.