Global biofuel production guidelines issued

An official measure of the effect biofuel development on the local people and environment has been agreed by 23 leading global nations.

Today (May 24th), the Rome-based Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) released a voluntary set of standards for producing and using biomass and biofuel.

As part of the measures, nations will need to assess the impact of biofuel production on food prices, greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use.

The move has come following concerns from environmental groups and charities that the rapid growth of the industry is causing global homelessness and hunger by forcing local people from their land, as well as damaging the environment.

Michela Morese, manager of the GBEP's secretariat, told the Financial Times that while the measures are not compulsory, "each and every" developed country will be expected to use them.

Corrado Clini, chairman of the partnership and director general of Italy's Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea, said that the move could be a good thing for the biofuel industry.

"The environmental certification of biofuels would be a very important driver for promoting biofuels in the market," he told Bloomberg.