6.2.5 Spread of genetically modified organisms

Due to the need to improve both the economic efficiency and the energy efficiency of biofuels, biotechnologies are expected to play a key role in the development of the biofuel industry. Genetic improvement has been highlighted as the key to increased yields and environmental benefits of energy crops while reducing agricultural inputs. While genetic improvement for some feedstocks such as soya and corn are more advanced, for other energy crops such as switchgrass, poplar, and jatropha it has barely begun. The combination of modern breeding and transgenic techniques are expected to achieve greater results for food crops than the Green Revolution achieved, and in far less time.

The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a very sensitive issue. The main arguments against GM technologies relate to food safety concerns, and their impacts on biodiversity and on farmers’ livelihoods. In the US, Canada and some South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina, planting of GMOs is already widespread. But in the EU, expansion of GMOs is heavily regulated and only 20 GM varieties - mostly corn and soya - have been approved for planting. GM crops grown for food and feed purposes must be labelled, but this is not the case for crops grown for energy production.

There is considerable concern that biofuel development will lead to a wider spread of GMOs, the pros and cons of which require further investigation.