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Common Fund for Commodities
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The issue of biofuels has become of paramount importance in world commodity markets and, in this respect, it is important that the Common Fund for Commodities should be cognisant of this rising importance of biofuels and adopt a clear policy on this strategic matter. This includes not only the benefits but also the costs associated with the development of the biofuel industries. The multi-dimensional nature of biofuel production raises critical issues including policy dilemma of food security or what is now being referred to as "Grain Drain". Challenges come in many forms, including production capacities and scarce resources diverted from food production, disruption of established production systems, as well as the overall lifecycle costs of substituting biofuels for traditional energy sources. This study attempts to highlight the strategic choices facing commodity dependent developing countries in the wake of new opportunities and challenges related to the development of biofuel markets. In particular, in this study, the CFC looks at the lifecycle costs and benefits of intensified biofuel production, while providing future outlook; and attempting to identify the likely challenges and opportunities for commodity producers in developing countries in the coming years. While maintaining neutrality in the biofuels debate, the study in particular focuses on the impact, opportunities and challenges of biofuels for the target beneficiary groups of the CFC.
