Biofuels expansion seen raising risk of famine

CARDIFF (Reuters) – Switching more land from food to biofuel production raises the risk of future famines, a conference organised by the Soil Association, the country’s leading organic certification body, was told.

“This (an expansion in land used for biofuels) sacrifices food security for an illusion of energy security,” Peter Melchett, policy director for the association said at its two-day annual conference which ends on Saturday.

Melchett said it was estimated in the European Union that 18 percent of arable land would be needed to produce one to two percent of the region’s transport fuels.

“I am sure we could achieve more much (to improve the environment) by converting 18 percent of arable land to organic farming,” Melchett said.

Scotsman