Jatropha curcas originates from Central America; however, the cultivation of Jatropha as a biofuel crop has taken up only recently, with exception of two projects which started more than 5 years ago. Today, Jatropha projects exist or are prepared in almost all Latin American countries where climatic conditions allow for it. Key findings are:
- The largest acreage of Jatropha plantations today exist in Brazil where we have identified projects totalling an acreage of 15,800 ha. This is about ¾ of the total acreage of all projects identified in Latin America. Brazil is followed by Mexico, Colombia and Guatemala.
- GEXSI estimated that the total acreage under cultivation throughout Latin America will have risen up to 1.6 million hectares by the end of 2015.
- The relative high labour costs compared to many regions in Africa or Asia may hinder project developments where government support does not compensate this cost; it may also lead to a higher degree of mechanizations in countries like Brazil which has an established agro-industry.
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Market Overview 
