Diesel John, I'd like to get your farmer's perspective on a couple of things:
First, you mention the commodity problems with buying farmer's crops later this year. Can you elaborate on that?
Second, Oregon State University is doing algae biodiesel research, with an eye to local production and consumption by farmers such that the stuff does not need to be shipped and distributed around the planet.
See:
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2006/04/70702
I'd be curious that if such a device worked, how would farmers react to the idea of making their own fuel on-site or in the immediate neighborhood.