Food shortage likely in global rush for biofuels

The global rush to switch from oil to energy derived from plants will drive deforestation, push small framers off the land, and lead to serious food shortages and increased poverty unless carefully managed.

The UN report compiled by all 30 of the world agencies points to crops like palm oil, maize, sugarcane, soya and jatropha. Rich countries want to see these extensively grown for fuel as a way to reduce their own climate changing emissions.

Their production will stabilize the price of oil, open up new markets and lead to higher prices for food.

Last year a third of the entire maize crop went to ethanol for fuel. EU wants a 10%of all fuel must come from biofuels.

Some positives are that it can be very beneficial to poor countries. But a UN report acknowledges that forests are already being felled for plantations of palm oil. Environmentalist argue an irreversible consequence.

Global food prices tend to increase because of the shortage.