Grain South Africa has reacted strongly to recent claims that the production of bio-ethanol from maize in South Africa will endanger food security. The organisation also refuted allegations that the country does not have the capacity to produce for the biofuel market.
The organisation was reacting to comments by the governor of the Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni, that sugar cane instead of maize should be used for the production of ethanol. Mboweni questioned whether farmers, especially in the Free State province, will be able to sustain food production requirements for the country and underpin a shift to an alternative fuel supply from crude oil.
"Obviously there is a concern currently on the price of food, we have a shortage this year, but that is primarily because of the very serious drought situation. This is typical of a one-in-15 years type of drought and we must not let it concern us too much," said John Purchase of Grain SA.
After months of anticipation, and with the ethanol plant in Bothaville coming to a complete standstill, the South African policy for biofuels has still not been finalised. Grain SA says negative statements will affect the industry in the long run. It says that there is a worldwide trend towards the production of biofuel and government will have no other option but to establish a renewable bio-diesel industry in the country.
SABC News
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August 10, 2007
Grain South Africa says biofuel will not compromise food security
Categories biofuel, food security, maize, South Africa
