The study, Biofuels and Food Security -- Implications of an
Accelerated Biofuels Production, was released at the 4th
International OPEC Seminar last week. According to Suleiman
Jasir Al-Herbish, the Director-General of OFID, 2the study
provides further evidence that current biofuels may have serious
unintended consequences, particularly for developing nations,
and could work against the Millennium Development Goal of
reducing world hunger". IIASA’s Dr Mahendra Shah, one of the
principal authors of the report, notes that biofuels are being
promoted as a potential solution to reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, enhancing energy security and fostering rural
development. He warns, however, that "current biofuels
development is being pursued without a thorough assessment of
the potential consequences on issues such as food security and
deforestation, or the stated potential to mitigate greenhouse
gas emissions". The study reviews the global status of biofuels
development, policy regimes and support measures and qua