Biofuel Mandates Could Increase Global Cropland Demand by 2030

Chatham House and Forest Stewardship Council released a joint report comparing required cropland to the size of Germany. The research indicates that accelerated biofuel mandates could intensify competition for corn, rice, sugar crops, and vegetable oils through 2030. Expanded targets could generate demand for an additional 36 million hectares of cropland globally by 2030, potentially raising agricultural commodity prices.

The report suggests that governments seeking to reduce exposure to oil-supply disruptions through biofuel targets could place significant pressure on food and feed markets. This increased land footprint is occurring while food and feed markets are already exposed to adverse weather, higher input costs, and geopolitical disruption.