Living in Peace and Wisdom on our Planet

WASHINGTON – A plant that flourished in Europe roughly 3,500 years ago could become a major source of biofuel.

Researchers say camelina, planted on millions of acres of marginal farmland from Eastern Washington to North Dakota, could help power the nation's drive for cleaner energy.

"This is the most exciting crop I have seen in my 30 some years in this field," said Steven Guy, a professor at the University of Idaho and a crop-management specialist.

Researchers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho say the results from test plantings of camelina are encouraging. So far, the only farmers interested are in Montana, where more than 50,000 acres of camelina were planted this season. But a buzz is spreading slowly.