Biofuel mandate could drive up food prices for millions
The study looked at how different bioenergy crops affect the amount of land used and the mix of materials used to make cellulosic ethanol in the US. They focused on crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as biomass like corn stover and switchgrass. The results showed that most bioenergy crops are grown in the Southern Plains and Southeast, with very few in the Midwest. When the demand for cellulosic ethanol is low, most of it can be made from agricultural residues without affecting crop prices much. But when the demand is high, prices for crops like corn and soybeans can go up by 5-14%.