A United Nations expert, Jean Ziegler, has condemned the growing use of crops to produce biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuels as a crime against humanity.

I might use less inflammatory words, but the man has a point. In particular, subsidising the use of corn to produce ethanol is not only an unconscionable gift to the agribusinesses like ADM, but a direct blow to food costs because that money is, in part, being used to outbid the food consumer for the corn crop. In addition to which, it is at least controversial whether or not there is a net savings of fossil fuel.

Mr Ziegler suggests a 5-year moratorium, during which time the technology to convert agricultural waste rather than the crops themselves could be developed. I agree. At the very least, the subsidies should be eliminated. Read here about ADM’s political influence and special benefits.