RESOURCE BioEnergy Incorporated is now growing Giant King Grass in Jamaica for its bioenergy projects after signing a supply contract with California-based VIASPACE Incorporated.

VIASPACE announced the deal in a press release on July 2, noting that the grass nodes, which are currently in production in Jamaica, were harvested from VIASPACE’s California nursery and shipped here after receiving a phytosanitary certificate by the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Fresh cut samples of Giant King Grass from our California nursery were sent to ReSource for laboratory analyses for suitability as a feedstock for bioenergy. The results were very encouraging, and this resulted in the contract and shipment,” the release quoted VIASPACE CEO Dr Carl Kukkonen.

“We are fully supporting ReSource and we agree that Giant King Grass has great potential in Jamaica. This project continues the VIASPACE focus on Giant King Grass-based energy projects in the Caribbean [and] Central American region,” he added.

In expressing confidence in ReSource’s ability to grow high-quality King Giant Grass in Jamaica, VIASPACE Chairman Dr Kevin Schewe said: “The tropical climate of Jamaica is perfect to support the high-yielding growth of Giant King Grass and our initial results at the Jamaica propagation nursery are excellent.”

Tom McGrath, co-founder and CEO of ReSource BioEnergy said he was happy to team with VIASPACE as “Giant King Grass is an important energy feedstock for zero carbon energy independence in Jamaica”.

“This renewable energy project is good for the global environment, and provides local agriculture and clean technology jobs in Jamaica,” added McGrath.