Second-generation biofuel could solve food, fuel crises

How should the international community address the global food crisis and soaring international grain prices? Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who is on a three-nation tour of Europe, spoke at the world food summit in Rome organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

In his speech, Fukuda unveiled US$50 million in additional aid for poor nations, which will be spent to provide struggling farmers with seeds, machinery and fertilizer.

He also urged nations that sell agricultural products to minimize export restrictions. Fukuda stressed the need to promote second-generation biofuels made from timber taken from thinned forests and rice straw.