Research & Development

GAR’s R&D department has a versatile role in the company, focusing on:

• The provision of information and agro-technical support throughout the various agricultural stages for all the company’s projects.
• Research and development of known vegetable-oil sources to be used in the biofuel industry.
• Research and development of new vegetable oil sources, extraction methods, optimal cultivation regimes and the manufacture of biofuel.

The R&D Department is currently involved in the following projects:

• Castor bean project – GAR is establishing a research station in Misiones, Argentina, alongside its castor bean project and in conjunction with Cooperativa Agricola Limitada de Picada Libertad. As part of this project, GAR’s R&D department is conducting a long-range study and clone cultivation research aimed at producing a choice seed source, with optimal qualitative and quantitative traits. In addition, the department is conducting research in cooperation with the national research and development institution aimed at the development cultivation methods appropriate to the region and the local farmers.
• Jatropha curcas project – GAR is partnering with IVC in Minas, Brazil, to establish a joint research station. Research conducted at the station will include identification and development of high quality clones, developments of seed cultivation and harvesting processes suitable for different climate and land types and the creation of a seed bank.
• Additional sources research projects – GAR’s R&D Department is currently involved in research into other sources of oil, including from algae, rubber trees, palm, coconut and other trees.