10 July 2008

Buried in the New York Times

The Guardian has published a secret report from the World Bank which estimates that the use of grain for biofuel has raised food prices by 75 percent worldwide. Articles here and here, pdf version of full report here. And The New York Times? It buries the information in an editorial that acknowledges the role of production of biofuels but claims,
Some of the causes are out of governments’ control, including the rising cost of energy and fertilizer, and drought in food exporters like Australia. Higher consumption of animal protein in China and India has also driven demand for feed grains. Wrongheaded policies among rich and poor nations are also playing a big role.
The Guardian thinks the World Bank has withheld the report to avoid embarrassing President Bush. Is that why The Times won't provide any details about it either?

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