Ethanol Demand Is Boosting Food Prices Worldwide

hereisnowhy writes "The rising demand for corn as a source of ethanol-blended fuel is largely to blame for increasing food costs around the world, the CBC reports. Increased prices for ethanol have already led to bigger grocery bills for the average American — an increase of $47 US compared to July 2006. In Mexico last year, corn tortillas, a crucial source of calories for 50 million poor people, doubled in price; the increase forced the government to introduce price controls. The move to ethanol-blended fuel is based in part on widespread belief that it produces cleaner emissions than regular gasoline. But a recent Environment Canada study found no statistical difference between the greenhouse gas emissions of regular unleaded fuel and 10 per cent ethanol-blended fuel. Environmental groups have argued that producing ethanol — whether from corn, beets, wheat, or other crops — requires more energy than can be derived from the product."

Comments

Gosh, I wonder ....

[boyfaceddog]

Would it really have something to do with the rising gas and oil prices? It seems to me I'm paying about $1 US more at the pumps than last year.

Re:Food is too cheap

[Evilest Doer]

And as long as the media chooses to ignore that fact, it doesn't sit on most Americans' consciences the way it ought to.

And even if the media did cover it, there are still plenty of Americans who would say "So? Fuck 'em! We'll take what we want! Don't fuck with America or Capitalism, you brown fucks!" Or, words to that effect. Sorry, but in too many places I've lived in the States, most people really are that disgusting.