FAO: Investment in biofuels could help food security

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that investment in biofuels could improve food security in rural areas. Joining in the controversy over food versus fuel, the FAO states that increasing investment in the production of biofuel would create jobs and boost incomes. The controversy is based on whether devoting more land to the production of biofuels will lessen hard-pressed agricultural resources. The FAO, in backing the increased production of biofuels, stressed the need for responsible management.  Heiner Thofern with FAO’s Bioenergy and Food Security Project states that “Done properly and when appropriate, bio-energy development offers a chance to drive investment and jobs into areas that are literally starving for them. Our goal is to help policy-makers take informed decisions regarding whether bioenergy development is a viable option.”  Surging world food prices are helping to keep the debate alive. A recent study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) concurs with the FAO that investment in biofuels could actually encourage investment in farming.  Paoli Frankl, with the IEA states, “We aren’t pretending that biofuels are the answer to everything but we think they can provide an impetus to improve sustainable policies.” (May 18, 2011)