ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the Symposium "Fuels and Chemicals from Oilseeds: Technology and Policy Options," held at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 1982. It attempts to integrate the scientific and technical with the policy dimension. The book assesses the potential for bringing about widespread utilization of novel oilseeds on marginal lands. The benefits to be derived from such a scenario as well as the risks and obstacles are included. The book presents a wealth of information on one novel oilseed, the Chinese tallow tree which, because of its potentially high yields of two different fat and oil materials, is under intensive study as a commercial oilseed tree crop of the future. It describes and evaluates diesel engine testing experience with vegetable oils.
