The problem with agrofuels

Agrofuels, a form of biofuel, are produced from agricultural crops. They can replace fossil fuels to be used for energy to power cars and trucks as well as power to produce electricity. At one time agrofuels were considered the answer to the global energy shortage in the future. Already we have seen agriculture change from producing crops for food to large mono crops destined for conversion into fuel. This diversion from food crop production has had a noticeable effect on the security of the global food supply. Less food crops are transported to nations where food is in short supply and populations are starving.

Corporate agribusinesses are amassing large tracks of fertile land around the globe to construct mono crops of African palm oil, sugarcane, corn and soy. Huge masses of land are bought up or stolen from local farmers by industrial agribusiness companies to develop plantations. These huge mono plantations replace family agricultural which can grow a variety of sustainable crops like cotton, coffee, tobacco, potatoes, bananas and other fruit to sustain themselves and their community. Once lost to the agribusiness these communities are without a secure means to feed themselves. Furthermore, agribusiness is a threat to the environment as a result of deforestation and the use of chemicals used on the crops weakens local crops grown in the region due to the absorption of most of the groundwater.

What can we do? Much of the agribusiness is located in the global south where land is fertile and the local farmers are able to sustain themselves. Unfortunately, these farmers are no match to the large corporations that descend upon their county and force them out by offering cheap prices for their land or in extreme cases hiring "goons" to kick them off their land. The local farmers often do not have the protection of their governments who also profit form the agribusiness in their country.

Hunger and poverty can be reduced by giving priority to small scale farmers to produce food for local markets. Support our own local farmers and address the global food shortage by expressing your opinion to the Canadian government through your Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister. Ask you MP to at least support legislation that would sanction Canadian companies that engage in agriculture for the production of fuel.

Canada is planning to host the G8 conference in June 2010. Ask your government to pressure the G8 countries to increase their support for small scale sustainable agriculture in the global south.