We have become sort of use to the idea that oil prices will continue to soar. This resource is after all a finite and over used commodity. It was therefore taken as read that the concept of biofuels would not only be accepted but also widely welcomed by all as a practical alternative to crude oil.

Not so says Joachim von Braun of the International Food Policy Institute (IFPRI). According to him and the IFPRI the production of biofuel is putting too much stress on our food resources, especially maize and wheat. Further more the IFPRI has issued a statement claiming that a moratorium on the production of biofuel will decrease the cost of maize and wheat by 20% and 10% respectively.

Again the only loser in this global game of buying and selling seems to be the consumers and specifically the lower income or unemployed sector of the world economy. The carrot of cheaper fuel wields a hidden stick of rising costs in staple food substances and if a moratorium is put on biofuels the general cost of living, including foodstuffs, will inevitably rise as well. Every commodity on the market is dependent on the price of oil. The oil is used to transport goods, fuel machines and transport workers to and from their homes and places of employment. If the price of oil increases the effect is felt through every sector of economic life. Therefore it is to everyone’s benefit to find alternative sources of energy to fuel the economy. Hence biofuel. But what seemed to be saving grace to all now looks like another problem that could without successful management soon spiral out of control. In short, having all the fuel to get everyone to work is great but to work without breakfast or lunch would be impossible.

So in light of the ever-growing fuel crises and now the daunting food crises in its wake, it is back to the drawing board. An alternative to the current situation must be found if we are to continue to be productive on the planet called earth. It is also not only the work of governments or institutions like the IFPRI but each and everyone living and using the resources, to participate in what must be one of the largest crises meetings in history. Each of us are responsible for the continuing prosperity of the human race and surely it must be time to put petty differences aside and at least try to find a workable solution.