The rapidly growing production of biofuels worldwide is beginning to alter global demand patterns for fuel crops and will have an impact upon fertilizer consumption and mix. This is according to Integer Research's latest findings on the influence of biofuels on the fertilizer industry. The extensive report will be published by Integer in the summer of 2007. 

"The use of crops for biofuels has become a more viable option in recent times," says Integer's Director of Environment and Emissions, Christopher Pett. "High oil prices and concerns over the effects of vehicle emissions on the environment are two of the driving forces behind this. Governments are also looking for energy security and are now beginning to actively encourage and subsidize renewable fuels."

The volumes involved are considerable. To meet the guidelines of EU directives such as 2003/30/E, Europe alone would have to produce 20 million tonnes of biofuels by 2010 - a five-fold increase over current output. In the US, consumption of corn for bioethanol has increased from just over 10 million tonnes per year in 2000 to around 50 million tonnes in 2006. This is now larger than US corn exports, and over 15% of national production; it is expected to top 20% this year. And these growth trends are set to continue.

"As you can well imagine, growing crops specifically for biofuels will become increasingly financially attractive for farmers worldwide," says Integer Director, Tim Cheyne. "Depending on geography, these will be mainly crops like rapeseed, soybean and palm oil for biodiesel production, or corn and sugar cane for bioethanol."

"To meet rising demand, farmers will need to replace their traditional crops, look for new arable land and boost yield," says Cheyne. "Some regions will even have to import significant volumes of fuel crops. All these developments will clearly affect the fertilizer industry. We are not yet certain by how much exactly, and this is one of the questions we will address in our study."