Sunbird Bioenergy signs up 1,700 cassava farmers in Zambia during first month of recruitment drive

In Zambia, the Lusaka Times newspaper reports that Sunbird Bioenergy has managed to sign up 1,700 farmers for its cassava-based ethanol plant of the 20,000 in total required to supply its ethanol plant. The country’s president kicked off the company’s farmer recruitment drive last month. Sunbird Bioenergy’s CEO said he was impressed by the speed of recruitment, however, and that the outgrower scheme would eventually encompass all of Luapula province. Construction for the ethanol plant is set to begin next year and wind up next year.