
Sustainable Energy Farming: A Platform for Systems Level Research
The Center for Sustainable Energy Farming was established to promote the development of resilient and sustainable communities globally, fueled by socially-responsible clean energy.
Its mission is to chart a new direction in sustainable energy farming and its use in development projects by applying modern genetic, agronomic, and horticultural practices to the optimization of Jatropha. With the benefit of dynamic collaboration among specialists, the Center aspires to significantly enhance Jatropha yields while minimizing the use of fossil fuels and natural resources. These improved yields will help develop more effective sustainable energy systems for small-scale farmers in developing countries, resulting in short- and long-term improvements in the local economy, including its social programs and infrastructure.
The results of this research will promote better
use of our limited natural resources, create efficiencies and
provide funds to allocate towards socially responsible programs for
the communities where the sustainable farming occurs. In its
initial phase, the research will focus on Jatropha curcas as a
primary species of interest for the development of future energy
farms.
The Center is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Establishment and characterization of a germplasm collection
and identification of a core collection of diverse Jatropha
genotypes for breeding and commercialization
Establishment of a conventional and biotechnology-enhanced varietal development program
Development of genomic and biotechnology tools and
processes to advance the aims of the Center and accelerate
variety development goals
Development of a systematic approach to sustainable energy
farm design and operation through interdisciplinary
collaborations
Optimization of farming practices through enhancements to
horticultural and agronomic techniques