SunBelt Biofuels

SunBelt Biofuels is a Georgia-based biofuels company exclusively licensing Freedom Giant Miscanthus, which is a specially-selected (i.e., non-genetically modified) Giant Miscanthus rhizome.

The company intends to sell registered and certified rhizomes to several hundred licensed growers in the southeastern United States beginning in Spring 2010.

It is named "Freedom" because the company believes it can reduce American dependence on imported oil. After 12 years of research trials at Mississippi State University, this particular rhizome was chosen for its size, vigor, yield and profitability when grown in the southeastern United States.

At full maturity, the plant yields up to 25 tons per acre, and some tests in Year 4 yielded 27 tons per acre with supplemental water.. According to company president Phillip Jennings, yield test results of Freedom Giant Miscanthus are as follows:
* Year 1: 8 tons per acre
* Year 2: 14 tons per acre
* Year 3: 20 tons per acre

While primarily intended for biofuels production, the crop can be used for biomass power, animal bedding or can be pelletized.

Jennings also touts the grass' low moisture content as an advantage. While wood often has 60% moisture content, Freedom Giant Miscanthus has a moisture content of 12-15%.

The company offers a growers assistance program with planting supervision and quality monitoring.