Biofuel sustainability: review of implications for land use and food price

Abstract

This article reviews the main findings, obtained from the literature, on two aspects that question first generation biofuel sustainability: the consequences of increased biofuel production on indirect land use change (ILUC) and related emissions and the impact of biodiesel on food-commodities prices. The measurement of ILUC, although necessary, is currently highly uncertain as demonstrated by the wide variation in estimates; in any case it seems that none of the first generation biofuels will be able to fulfill the sustainability criteria imposed by the RE Directive. Regarding the food-fuel debate, even if discrepancies in results have been observed, this review suggests that changes in biofuel prices have little impact on food prices. On the other hand, the impact of an increasing production of biofuel on food prices is not negligible.