The biofuels association wants to set the record straight at a time when biofuels production is being blamed for aggravating rising commodity prices linked to a massive drought in the US Midwest that has affected much of the US corn crop.
“Careful analysis of agriculture and commodities markets reveals a very complex situation that is not easily described by a simple food v fuel narrative,” ePURE stressed in a press release today. “Quite often key facts are ignored in the debate, which only serves to damage public confidence in those biofuels that are produced sustainably and responsibly, such as European ethanol.”
Biofuels production has much more positive effects on the food sector and global agricultural production than negative ones, ePURE highlights, with raising farm income and improving investment in the farm sector some of many of the benefits* as well as the production of important animal feed co-products.
“Global grain use for biofuels is miniscule and nowhere near enough to inflate prices significantly. Singling out biofuels for blame for rising food prices is simply reckless and only serves to damage public confidence in good biofuels”, explains Mr. Rob Vierhout, Secretary General of ePURE.
“Europe has enough grain to produce both its food AND fuel needs. Blaming biofuels is the lazy option – if policy makers are serious about addressing food price volatility then they must tackle the fundamental causes of food price inflation such as volatile oil prices, unchecked financial speculation in food commodities markets, and rising levels of food waste. It is truly unbelievable that, while critics continue to blame biofuels for creating a food crisis, last year in Europe we wasted 50% of our food”, adds Mr. Vierhout.
ePURE lists a number of key facts which it deems should be considered when discussing the impact of biofuels on food prices:
* UN FAO (2011)
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