This is a solution of A/C for a woodplant. The characteristic of the woodplant is the production of workplace, and there is a small amount of equipment. Production personnel are not too much.
Unlike a thorn, a prickle can be easily broken off the plant because it is really a feature of the outer layers rather than part of the wood, like a thorn.
Advanced biofuels from cellulosic material - plant waste and wood - are better, because they don't compete directly with food, but they still need reasonably fertile land in which to grow.