An International Conference on Biofuels convened on 5-6 July 2007, in Brussels, Belgium.

This high-level meeting sought to launch discussion on how to develop an international approach to biofuels, to reap their potential benefits while ensuring sustainable development and avoiding new risks. Speakers, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Commission President José Manuel Barroso, addressed the development of international trade in biofuels, and related environmental and development issues.
In related news, more than 30 civil society groups from around the world have demanded a moratorium on the EU’s move towards sourcing biofuels from large-scale monocultures. According to a new report published by UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, increased demand for biofuels is causing fundamental changes to agricultural markets that could drive up world prices for many farm products.
Links to further information
The Conference website
Bridges Trade BioRes, 6 July 2007
Euractiv.news, 2 July 2007
FAO press release, 4 July 2007