Right to food and agrofuels

Excerpt

A 54 page FAO study has been released exploring the impact of biofuel production expansion on the availability of adequate food for human nutrition and the underlying human right to food focused on the avoidance of hunger. The report concludes that liquid biofuel production has contributed and will continue to weaken the access to adequate food or resources used by vulnerable groups for nourishment. The report asserts that food prices have been increased in response to the biofuels production demands for food crops. Land use issues are highlighted in developing countries as leading to the marginalization of vulnerable populations. The report also queries whether there is sufficient ethical justification for biofuel production to address the negative consequences associated with its implementation. Application of the right to food guidelines to biofuel policies and project is investigated. State obligations and global governance issues related to international right to food policies are explored. A list of recommended policies and guidelines are presented as future directions. …