In Panama the agribusiness company Agro2’s obtained the ISCC certification for its sustainable cassava biomass production, confirming the compliance of its production and processing methods with the sustainability criteria set out in the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (EU Directive 2009/28/EC).
Agro2’s was founded in 2007 and has received support by the The NL Agency sustainable biomass program. In September of 2011, the company installed a small-scale ethanol plant, pioneering small-scale cassava-based ethanol production. Agro2 is currently in its commercial roll-out phase with the construction of a large-scale ethanol plant, producing 7,500 liters of ethanol and 5 tons of cassava flour per day. Moreover, the company offers peeled and waxed cassava for domestic consumption and export.
“We are excited to be a member of the ISCC system, promoting sustainable energy in Panama and abroad. Agro2 is committed to sustainable agricultural practices and wants to act as a model project for agricultural and energy production in the region. With the help of the ISCC seal, our commitment to sustainability has now been confirmed”, said founder and director Frans Van Hulle.
Agro2 is also continuously investing in methods that support farmers in the Veraguas region and has been testing cassava varieties on their yield and starch potential in order to optimize its production. To improve regional structures in Veraguas, the company supports the formation of a farmers’ association and invests in technologies that are easily accessible to farmers. The company plans to install cassava drying floors on partner farms and to purchase mobile chippers which can be transported to remote farms to boost cassava processing.
photo credits: flickr/IITA image library
