Most of lands currently being used to produce ethanol (1% of arable land in the country), were used as pasture for cattle in an extensive production method. These cows are now being raised in a more intensive and productive manner.

Actually, this movement increased the productivity of the whole Brazilian meat industry, by introducing and spreading new methods for all producers.

Even with the explosion of production of ethanol, Brazil’s government says that it will have no impact on food production. In fact, if the current production grows 300% in the next years, considering gains of productivity, only 3% of Brazils plain fields are gonna be used, most of them unproductive areas of Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goias and Parana countryside.

And, come on, I feel lots of envy in this food crisis vs. Brazil polemic. Why don’t Europe, that is blaming Brazil for the crisis, doesn’t open its markets, making things more equal without any barriers? Why nobody blames China crazy consumption because of the crisis? Why nobody look at Brazil’s food exports to see that in every category, the exports grow? Why don’t US transfer part of its agriculture technology to African countries? Why not start buying vehicles with less hp to reduce energy consumption?

I’ve been driving ethanol vehicles for about 10 years now and I’ll keep doing so because I know I’m not causing more harm to the society and to the planet than I’d be doing if I were driving a gasoline car.

I’m currently driving a flex Honda (can be fueled with ethanol, gas or any proportion of both) and I had never put a drop of gas in it because I’m pretty sure that my footprint per mile is 60% smaller than an average American SUV.

Regards,
Flavio
Brazil