Farm Fuel Inc.

Farm Fuel Inc. is a farmer-owned distribution, marketing, and research company that uses different varieties of mustard seed as a soil amendment (with pesticide and herbicidal properties) and is using the oil from the production of the meal for a renewable biodiesel fuel.

At the largest scale, the issue that Farm Fuel Inc. is addressing is how to sustainably grow biofuel crops on California farms in a way that makes a net contribution to the farming systems. The conversion from petroleum-based to renewable biofuels presents a whole set of resource and sustainability challenges for California farmers as does the transition from fumigant-dependent to fumigant-free farming. Yet these challenges are balanced by a set of corresponding opportunities. Some particular challenges for biofuels production in California include the very expensive land, highly demanded water resources, and preservation of delicate ecosystems. Counter-balancing these challenges is the opportunity provided by strong, local "green" consumer markets that demand and value local, sustainable production.

Mustard Seed biodiesel provides a partial solution to the California biofuel feedstock production challenge by being a crop that can integrate into California agriculture in ways that produce several dimensions of value-added for California farmers.

Grow Your Own

Every spring millions of acres of field, pastures, vineyards and orchards in California blossom with the bright yellow flowers of mustard. This mustard, fed by California’s cool winter rains holds the potential for producing a sustainable, organic, locally sourced soil fertilizer and biodiesel.

Farm Fuel Inc. seeks farmers and land owners to join our effort by growing five acres or more of mustard starting this coming fall. If you have the land and the interest, please contact us so that we can discuss details.

Consulting

Farm Fuel Inc. is available to assist growers, county extension officers, and land owners in the growing, harvesting, and seed processing of mustard seed meal. Please call us at (877) 803-2568 to speak with a consultant.

Board

Ken Kimes of New Natives organic greens is the president of Farm Fuel Inc. and organizes harvest and logistics for Farm Fuel Inc.

Larry Jacobs is the CEO of Del Cabo and Jacobs Farm. Del Cabo was started in 1985 as a network of organic farms in Baja California supplying fresh off-season cherry tomatoes to the global market. Del Cabo has since grown to over 400 family farms. Jacobs Farm produces fresh culinary herbs.

Henry Smith is a master carpenter, naturalist, expert mechanic, and biodiesel aficionado.

Jim Cochran is president of Swanton Berry Farm, a 75 acre certified organic farm on California's Central Coast and has pioneered organic strawberry production. He is an active member of the Roots of Change Council.

Staff

Stefanie Bourcier, manager and research coordinator for Farm Fuel Inc., holds a M.S. in ecology and conservation biology and has studied alternative agricultural systems. Ms. Bourcier's background is in field research and data analysis. She has been working with Farm Fuel Inc. since 2007 developing and implementing research projects on farms in the Santa Cruz and San Mateo County area and in Baja California, Mexico.

Andy Springer, production manager for Farm Fuel Inc., has a background as industrial plant engineering.  Additionally, he works to install gardens in the Santa Cruz Mountains area and has an interest in alternative energy systems.