Britain and Europe may need to change their environmental strategy after a report found that biofuels could be having an impact on rising world food prices.

According to the Government report, developing biofuels has had a "significant" impact on the rise in global food prices and it could lead to a change in future plans.

Reports from the Guardian reveal that the study could trigger a review of British and EU targets after it signifies that biofuels may not help global warming.

The Gallagher report is due to be published next week but it is thought to question the benefits of fuels such as corn ethanol and biodiesel.

As a result, the report is demanding more research into the impact of the fuels before the Government sets more targets.

Speaking to the newspaper, an unnamed Government officer, said: "The review has thrown up the likelihood of significant impacts. UK and EU targets will have to be addressed."

Clarification between first and secondary biofuels will now be needed, the newspaper claimed.

Second generation fuels are based on non-food crops which could be grown without having to remove other vegetation.



Source:

Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/19/climatechange.biofuels