Workshop in Probistip
Subject:
Production technology of autumn hibrid cultures/crops
Download presentation [PDF - 4.6 MB] - Only in Macedonian
Photographs of the event:
Experimental biodiesel production in Eastern Macedonia on agricultural soil contaminated with heavy metals
Project Description
Aims and activities;
The overall aims of this project are to contribute towards cleaner environment, better human health and local economic development, through experimental production of biodiesel on farmland contaminated with heavy metals. The project invites every interested person to apply for participation in the farming activities, contributing his/her land and workforce; in other words, the project offers equal opportunity to both male and female farmers, as long as they are willing to commit to the successfulness of the project together with CRPRC „Studiorum“. The specific aim of this Project is experimental production of biodiesel from crops grown on the agricultural land contaminated with heavy metals. This would achieve multiple effects: soil decontamination by the method of phytoextraction; protection of human health by preventing consumption of contaminated food; effective utilization of the agricultural produce, that is otherwise unusable for human and livestock consumption and increasing the local economic development by contributing in the farmers’ budget with biodiesel that can be used instead of petrodiesel for the agricultural equipment. The project activities can be summarized as follows:
- selection of land in Eastern Macedonia and signing contracts with farmers;
- purchase of seeding material, fertilizers and pesticides and distribution of these materials to the farmers, based on contract;
- production of rapeseed crop by farmers, and collection of the yield by local partner of “Studiorum”;
- production of bidiesel in special equipment (oil press and biodiesel reactors);
- “payment” of the crop yield in biodiesel; and
- starting new cycle with new farmers (old ones serve as incubator)
Funds provided from own sources and third parties
The total amount of this project is 48,908 USD, half of which (23,755 USD) has been provided through the GEF Small grant programme, business community contribution (8,333 USD) and own financial sources (7,270 USD). In-kind contributions have been made by the JICA Study team working on screening of contaminated soil in Eastern Macedonia.
Additionally to this amount, the Municipality of Probistip, through the GTZ REDEM program in Eastern Macedonia has provided 10,000 EUR for provision of the part of the equipment initially not covered with the project (biodiesel reactor, mixing equipment, reservoir, etc.)
Further fundraising is undertaken in order to spread this innovative practice and to respond to the enormous interest for participation among local farmers.
Sustainability:
The costs that can/will incur after the completion of the project, include the electricity costs for running the oil pressing equipment. There is a commitment that this cost will be born by the farmers in their subsequent use of the equipment.
Timeframe of the Project
Start Date: November 01, 2006
End Date: March 31, 2008
Budget (37900 euro)
Additional information for the project:
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