CFS: Biofuel Development Should Not Compromise Food Security

In Italy, following a week of intense discussions, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) stressed that biofuel development "should not compromise food security, and should especially consider women and smallholders."

The world's most important intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder platform for food security and nutrition acknowledged the link between food and energy security issues, and that biofuels could compete with food crops and influence international commodity prices. It said that concerted international and national actions were important to "encourage that biofuel development and policies are in line with the objective to eradicate hunger". It stressed the importance of reviewing national biofuels policies "where applicable and if necessary" and coordinating with food security strategies.

The October 7-11 meeting drew nearly 750 people, including over 130 government delegations, 100 civil society and 50 private sector organizations. Following the talks, the CFS also agreed on the importance of integrating smallholder agriculture into national policies, strategies, and research aimed at boosting investment and sustainable development.

The CFS was established in 1974 as an intergovernmental body to serve as a forum in the United Nations System for review and follow-up of policies concerning world food security including production and physical and economic access to food.