Masthead graphic based on a painting by Gudrun Thriemer.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

"Secret Report: Biofuel caused food crisis," Guardian, July 4, 2008.

"Rapid income growth in developing countries has not led to large increases in global grain consumption and was not a major factor responsible for the large price increases."

Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report obtained by the Guardian. The damning unpublished assessment is based on the most detailed analysis of the crisis so far, carried out by an internationally-respected economist at global financial body.

The basket of food prices examined in the study rose by 140% between 2002 and this February. The report estimates that higher energy and fertiliser prices accounted for an increase of only 15%, while biofuels have been responsible for a 75% jump over that period.

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1 comments:

A Eliz. said...

The Harper government gave farmers a great deal of money to grow crops for ethanol, wheat , canola and corn. I do not know why he did id not opt for cellulosics, which does not entail foodstuffs.