Local farmer growing crops for fuel

People all over the country are doing what they can to offset the rising fuel prices. One farmer in our area has an idea -- why not grow it?

Farmer Harry Hart of Bolton has devoted about 20 acres of his land to growing canola seeds. Once the seeds are processed, he says they'll provide enough fuel for the next year.

The problem is processing the seeds. It requires expensive equipment that other farmers aren't willing to help subsidize. The seeds hart has grown so far are still sitting in his shed, but he's hoping his idea will catch on.

Hart said, "We're going to have to be forced to change our habits by the amount of fuel that we consume and America has consumed more than its share of fuel."

A spokesman for the Farm Service Agency in Columbus County said Hart's idea is probably viable, but it's a lot to swallow for most farmers who probably won't follow suit until they absolutely have to.