Summary
This commodity market intelligence update focuses on trends in food commodities and bioenergy. Bioenergy already provides half of all renewable energy use, and the world’s growing energy requirements are driving demand for crops that risk encroaching on valuable ecosystems, as well as displacing crops grown for food. The authors identify the potential that advanced biofuels (made from non-food feedstocks) have to de-link bioenergy from land used change, reducing the risk to ecosystems, however they recognize significant economic and infrastructure challenges that governments, businesses and NGOs face in developing and mainstreaming these fuels. Finally, the report provides updates on three new tools for sustainable commodity supply chains: the Accountability Framework Initiative, Evidensia, and Global Forest Watch Pro.