The market and food security implications of the development of biofuel production

Apr 2009

With the prospects of higher energy requirements in the longer term and the need for reducing GHG emission, biofuel production could be an important source of sustainable energy supply although it will only represent a small proportion of total energy consumption.
Nevertheless, its growth, determined by both energy prices, research investments and public policies, may contribute to higher and possibly more volatile prices of agricultural commodities. It is important that negative consequences for food security be contained, while opportunities for development are seized. While biofuel benefits should reach the poor, any policy or decision on biofuels must take into consideration food security aspects and the needs of the poor, in order to be sustainable.

By: FAO Committee on Commodity Problems

 
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