Biocombustibles, biotecnología y alimento

Impactos sociales para México

Abstract

Biofuels production is part of a competitive strategy in the international agricultural market. United States seeks to break its national dependent on imported oil by accelerating alternatives to petroleum-based transportation fuels. Expanded production of ethanol from maize, in particular, had increased total demand for maize, stimulating increased prices for maize. For decades, global agricultural markets have been characterised by steady production and productivity growth. Since 2006, however, global agricultural market have been characterised by growth in real prices. Rising demand for bioethanol has had an important impact on agricultural products prices, especially on maize. The objective of this paper focuses on social impact of biofuels on food production. Mexico’ Congress passed a lay on Abril 26, 2007, promoting the use and production on ethanol and other biofuels made from corn and sugar, despite criticism from academic and non governmental organizations, that the bill could endanger food supplies. Mexico is the centre of origin for maize and corn is the centre of Mexican diet too. According to the “Ley de Promoción y Desarrollo de los bioenergéticos”, the objective is to produce biofuels by replacing fosil fuels because of Kyoto Protocol agreement. This paper propose don’t include maize and none food products in the “Ley de Promoción y Desarrollo de Bioenergéticos” in Mexico. Key words: biotechnology, biofuels, food.