December 12, 2007

South Africa saves corn for animal feed

South Africa has decided not to use a significant portion of corn for biofuel and rather save it for feed and food purposes, according to minerals and energy minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

The government slashed down to 2 percent of its biofuel production from the original proposed target of 4.5 percent by 2013. 

The minister said that the lower revision of the target was in consideration of agricultural concerns about food security, particularly about the effect of the use of corn.

She also proposed for the full exclusion of corn for biofuel and instead focus on other feedstock such as soy, sunflower seeds and canola for biofuels production.