Biofuels industry gets boost from research project

Australia’s Biotechnology Industry Organisation or AusBiotech , which represents more than 2,550 members, covering the human health, agricultural, medical device, bioinformatics, environmental and industrial sectors in biotechnology, is managing a six-year research project which aims to assist the industry in commercializing biofuels. AusBiotech is partnering with the South Australian Research and Development Institute and a number of universities–Queensland University of Technology, the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University–for research and development. Many biodiesel companies are placing the blame on the Federal government for slumping biofuels sales. In 2006, the government removed tax incentives that encouraged the use of biofuels. (October 11, 2007)