Question: Why are you planting eucalyptus trees?
Answer: The answer is simple -- Economics. The only way for energy crop fuel to be competitive with the cost of fossil fuels (i.e., coal, natural gas, oil) is to achieve high crop yields. While eucalyptus trees currently appear to have the best chance of achieving this economic objective -- we are also planting trees native to Florida (willows and cottonwoods).

Question: Is there any commercial use for eucalyptus, cottonwood, or willow trees other than for energy crops?
Answer: Eucalyputs trees have commercial value as landscaping mulch. If you visit any Home Depot in the U.S., their eucalyptus mulch comes from Florida! Wholesale Suppliers say they are willing to pay $12 per green ton for harvesting rights to a plantation (where they would incur all harvesting and transportation costs). We do not know of any current commercial value for cottonwood or willow in central Florida.

Question: In your Lakeland, Florida Energy Crop Plantation, what is the mix of trees?
Answer: The commercial planting is comprised of about 40% cottonwood trees and 60% eucalyptus trees.