Experts meeting in Rome have been discussing how to make the production of aviation biofuels sustainable and pro-poor.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) reports on discussions at the Sustainable Pro-poor Development of Aviation Biofuels workshop it organized, and the need to engage with smallholder farmers in developing countries to ensure inclusive biofuel policies.

While biofuels offer the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry and employment creation in rural communities, there are major issues concerning food security particularly when food-based crops are used for biofuel production.

The World Agroforestry Centre is involved in a USD 12 million research and development program looking at alternate crops (non-food or multiple use). The program will explore options for developing competitive, sustainable smallholder-based biofuel production based on underutilized crops capable of growing on land less suitable for food crop production.

Read the full story: Aviation Biofuels: IFAD calls for sustainable pro-poor development and small farmers engagement in developing countries