Guide Note

Biofuels are fuels derived from plant life rather than from petroleum based processes. Proponents of biofuels claim they will help lessen American dependence on foreign oil as well as clean up the environment because burning biofuels releases less carbon dioxide.¹ However, utilizing food sources to create biofuels has caused another problem: increases in global food prices because of supply and demand.²

Fast Facts

1. Commonly used plants include corn, sugar cane, palm and soybeans
2. Gasoline and diesel are required to include 2.5% biofuels in Britain²
3. 30% of fuel for cars in Brazil comes from biofuels¹
4. 75% of the rise in food prices since 2002 has been blamed on biofuels²
5. European Union has a target of 5.75% biofuel use in vehicles by the end of 2008¹

Initially, biofuels appeared to be a win-win for all involved. While providing a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels, biofuel would also provide more crop opportunities for farmers to earn a living. However, now two major issues have caused controversy on the biofuel push. Scientists have reported that it will take decades to recover from the added greenhouse gases released during the cultivation of deforested land.¹ In addition, the use of crop fuels for development of biofuels has begun to push food prices higher as farmers convert more crops to higher prices for biofuel supplies.²