Ethanol, Brazil and Food vs. Fuel

Did you know that, as of September of 2008, there were 6.4 million flex-fuel vehicles on the streets of Brazil? It's estimated that about one-third of the country's light vehicle fleet is currently operating on biofuels (that includes CNG too). How does Brazil do it? Glad you asked.

We recently had the opportunity to learn more from someone living where it's all happening. Thanks to the generosity of Mario R. Duran, M.Sc. from U.C. Berkeley and M.P.A. from Harvard University and currently living and working in Brazil, for shedding light on our first-in-a-series-of-four questions about Brazil & ethanol ... how does the food vs. fuel issue shape up? Read his first article/answer and let us know what you think.

photo of multifuel gas station in Brazil - © Mario R. Duran