Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the production of microbial glycolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL), from lignocellulosic carbon source. These processes are characterized in that the use of lignocellulosic materials for the production of a microbial glycolipids, MEL, comprising a fermentation preferably using fungi of the genus Pseudozyma or other microorganisms such as genetically modified fungi or bacteria. The processes for production of microbial glycolipids, MEL comprise three steps: pretreatment of lignocellulosic material; enzymatic hydrolysis; and fermentation. The enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation may take place sequentially or simultaneously with addition of exogenous enzymes or simultaneously with enzymes produced by the microorganism itself.