Food vs. Fuel debate. Agribusiness chairmen don't see eye-to-eye
The Associated Press, in a story published today, sees in the recent statements of two agri-giant chairmen the broader debate of whether or not farmland should be used to grow food or fuel. Recently, Cargill's CEO and chairman Warren Staley said farmland should be used to grow, "Food first, then feed and last fuel." The next day, G. Allen Andreas, the chairman of ADM, said the world can grow plenty of food, and that hunger and famine are the result of infrastructure and capital problems around the world. ADM and Cargill both produce ethanol from their crops, and ADM's stock price has recently jumped up because of the market's attraction to ethanol. Cargill is privately held, according to the article. Neither chairman elaborated on their statements.
[Source: InForum]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Razib Ahmed 12:37PM (5/18/2006)
"The next day, G. Allen Andreas, the chairman of ADM, said the world can grow plenty of food, and that hunger and famine are the result of infrastructure and capital problems around the world"
He is right. Actually, there is not shortage of production in the world but shortage of infrastructure and proper distribution.
Pakistan government has set up Alternative EnergyDevelopment Board (AEDB) to increase the contribution of alternative energy in the country. Actually, the target is to have '10% share of RE in the energy mix of the country.' (http://www.southasiabiz.com/2006/05/pakistan_german_company_going.html). If a pooor country like Pakistan can try for Alternative energy then the west should give more effort.
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