Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Reports brawl over impact of crops for fuel

 

BIOFUELS: Do the fuels harm the food supply —and fuel prices — or don’t they?

 

Days after an Ontario study declared the debate on farm crops for fuel finally over, UN researchers are warning of dire consequences for the world's poor from the growing practice.

And another analysis, this one released by the Canadian Trucking Alliance, says federal government requirements to include fuel derived from crops in diesel fuel will push up transportation costs and consumer prices.

The debate over ethanol and biodiesel has become intense as the use of corn for fuel has soared to the point where four out of every 10 bushels of corn grown in North America this year will be used for fuel -- not food.

 

Read the rest of the article here:

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/06/20/18310371.html  

 

What do you think??

Views: 163

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joann on June 22, 2011 at 5:08am

It would appear there is more than enough food to feed the world's population but the distribution and the associated costs are the real barriers.

 

Derivative speculations of agricultural commodities on Wall Street is proving to impact food costs, I believe, at a greater extent than the processing of the commodities.

 

Some studies are also speculating that " about 40 percent of all the food produced in the U.S. is thrown out".

 

That translates to "85 million gallons of water a day" wasted and "300 million barrels of oil per year". .....1400 calories of equivalent food waste/day or 150 trillion calories/year. Those are numbers for just one country alone.

 

I find the current ethanol/food debate to be a distraction from real global food problems. The distribution (manipulation) of wealth appears to be at the root of the problem.


http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0007940

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Grower Engagement Meetings

Alberta Canola works for farmers—and your voice can drive what’s next. Join Alberta Canola directors, staff, and industry partners at our upcoming Grower Engagement Meetings and explore what’s happening across the canola industry and what it means for your farm. From agronomy and research to new markets, canola utilization and biofuels, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of canola. At Alberta Canola’s grower meetings, you’ll: See how Alberta Canola works for farmers. Learn how your investment supports research, advocacy and a stronger future for canola growers. Get practical agronomy insights from our provincial agronomy specialist, Keith Gabert. Explore what’s possible for canola through new markets, canola meal utilization, biofuels, transportation, and what it all means for the future of your farm. Hear from industry experts. Connect with guest speakers from Canola Council of Canada, Imperial Oil, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, COPA and more. Conn

2026 harvest: Minister Sawyer

“For many farm families, harvest is the culmination of months of hard work and many long days. Whether they're wrapping up harvest or working to bring in the last of this year's crop, farmers and producers across Alberta continue to show the dedication and determination that keeps our agriculture sector strong. “Despite weather challenges, crop yields are estimated to be above average, especially in the south and central regions. I applaud the perseverance, patience and hard work of farmers despite the circumstances with this growing season. “Recent weeks have finally brought favourable conditions for harvest in many parts of Alberta, allowing producers to make significant progress. While slow maturity and periods of rain early in the harvest season and recent frost and snow have slowed work in some areas, producers continue to make the most of every opportunity to get crops off the field. Harvest of major crops is now 88 per cent complete across the province. “As producers prepare

Ag in the House: Oct. 19 – 23

An Ontario MP asked how the government is protecting Mariposa Dairy

Bayer Invests $45M in New Canadian Canola Innovation Centre

Bayer Crop Science is investing $45 million CAD in a new canola innovation centre in Winnipeg, with research targeting faster genetic gains, improved agronomic performance and expanded weed control options for Canadian growers.

USDA Corrects Corn Estimates as Growers Question NASS Data

USDA has corrected September corn estimates after NASS discovered a processing error affecting Kansas, Nebraska and national figures.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service