crops

New research suggests the proportion of global wheat production areas at risk of drought would be four times higher than current levels

Scientists in Dubai say it is among a group of crops that could ensure food supply despite soaring populations and worsening water scarcity

Africa, South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East are expected to be the regions most affected

Biofuels produced from waste products could make a “real impact” in cutting carbon emissions than crops. That’s according to the Royal Academy of Engineering, which claims biofuels made from food crops like wheat can sometimes produce higher emissions than petrol and their use should be restricted. It found while biofuels manufactured from crops like corn […]

Farmers in Michigan can apply for cash to upgrade old and outdated equipment to lower their costs. The energy efficiency cash is targeted towards Michigan crop and dairy farms and commercial greenhouses. Farmers can apply for upgrades that include new irrigation systems, refrigeration and grain dryers, said DTE Energy, the utility behind the Commercial Energy-Efficiency Incentive Program. Jim […]

Researchers say they have hit on a way to stop damage done to tropical rainforests as a result of man-made crops. Over the last ten years, industrial scale agriculture has expanded into tropical rainforest areas, according to the World Resources Institute. Clearing these tropical rainforests causes about 10-15% of human-caused carbon emissions and fewer species can survive where trees have […]

Imagine the UK was covered with crops used for biofuel. Multiply it by three. That’s the amount of land and forest needed to meet Europe’s bioenergy demands according to a new report by the Vienna University of Economics and Business for Friends of the Earth Europe. Supporters of biofuel argue it is a valuable energy […]

A Welsh farm run by the National Trust is testing German technology which could transform “nuisance” roadside crops into biomass fuel. The Hafod y Llan farm in Snowdonia is looking at whether a new process could turn soft rush, gorse and bracken crops into a new source of cash for farmers – and clean energy. […]

Using crops for biofuels risks leaving millions hungry around the world, Oxfam warned yesterday. The charity’s demands came the day before EU Commissioners confirmed new draft legislation – which was leaked to the media last week – will see the EU limit its crop-based biofuels transport quota to 5%. Previously EU biofuel laws demanded that […]