Scientists want to stop using food to make biofuel

An international group of food scientists says countries should not use food crops to produce biofuels during a world food crisis.

Three scientists with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research say if nations stop turning corn into ethanol this year, it would cut 20% from the price of corn next year.

Instead of using grains, the international group is calling on the U.S. and other countries to shift biofuels production to nonfood crops such as switchgrass.

Ohio Sate University soil researcher, Rattan Lal, an often critic of the international group, agrees. Lal says "we need to feed the stomach before we feed the car."

President Bush, in a White House press conference today, says it is in the nation's best interest that American farmers grow energy instead of relying on foreign oil.

Source: Associated Press
April 29, 2008

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