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Ethanol and Indirect Land Use Change

A relatively new objection is taking the forefront in the biofuels debate. The argument of ‘Indirect Land Use Change’ is yet another topic that farmers should be versed in as the ethanol industry evolves. Arguments pertaining to this alleged unintended consequence are increasing now that biofuels are becoming more relevant and economical in our country’s energy strategy.

The discussion of ‘Indirect Land Use’ takes more of an environmental tack toward curbing biofuels progress. The ‘Indirect Land Use’ argument suggests that grain ethanol production will result in a stepwise process ultimately contributing to, not reducing, global warming. In its simplest form, the process is as follows:

  • More ethanol results in reduced domestic acres of crops for food

  • Reduced domestic acres leads to increased demand for international acres

  • Demand for international acres causes deforestation

  • Deforestation will result in greenhouse gas emissions from release of sequestered soil carbon

    •

    Data relating to corn yield increases, corn acreage decreases and availability of arable land throughout the world provides a powerful argument debunking ‘Indirect Land Use’. Further, a lack of association with Brazilian deforestation rates and ethanol production increases questions the validity of ‘Indirect Land Use’ contentions.

    Corn production has dramatically become more efficient over the past few decades and technology has proved that the efficiency trend can continue at the current rate for several decades to come.

    In the US (the world’s largest producer of ethanol) biofuels production has increased 10-fold since 1992; in the same time period US corn acres have increase only five to six percent. In fact, corn acres planted have declined in the past two years while ethanol production has increased.

    Since 2004 (when the American ethanol industry took off) the Brazilian deforestation rate has been reduced to one-third its level. Over the same time period, worldwide ethanol production has almost doubled.
    Potential farmland that would be preferred more that cleared forestland is readily available throughout the world. These 550 million acres can be employed into biofuels production as the need arises.

    The ‘Indirect Land Use’ allegations have persisted more in media and perception arenas than in legislative and regulatory. Several expose` reports and editorials have been printed in very popular media outlets. Those in opposition to biofuels have conducted multiple studies. Although the research is severely flawed, it is still treated as newsworthy and is reported on.

    EPA is just beginning to dissect the issue. A comment process is currently underway to determine a rulemaking direction. Although sound science is overwhelmingly on our side, this argument could become a battle of perception rather than reality. Since perception often trumps reality in political arenas, a firm understanding of the issue coupled with farmers’ willingness to participate in the argument is essential to enhancing public acceptance of biofuels.

    In general, biofuels’ environmental benefits are obvious, but contentious. Consumers are going to need a little more help in understanding the true story about ethanol’s ability to be a clean, green energy source - that job is going to lie on the back of our grassroots mechanism.

    Updated June 2009