Biofuels 'to drive up food prices by 20%'

The dash for biofuels will send food prices soaring, drive millions into poverty and may raise greenhouse gas emissions, a report has found. The study warned that the move to plant-based fuels could increase some food prices by 75% over the next decade. It called for the UK to slow its switch to green fuels until they can be produced better. The report, by Professor Ed Gallagher, follows concerns that biofuels made from crops such as maize and sugar are doing more harm than good. Critics say biofuels use land that would otherwise grow food, reducing supplies and driving up prices. Launching the report, Professor Gallagher of the Renewable Fuel Agency said: 'We cannot afford to abandon biofuels as part of a low carbon transport future. 'Equally, we cannot continue producing biofuels which are ultimately more environmentally... [read full story]