Large Business, ABSA Bank Ltd and President, Southern African Biofuels Association, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa; Agricultural Economist, Industry Services, Grain South Africa, PO Box 88, Bothaville, 9660, South Africa; Agribusiness Division, ABSA Bank Ltd, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Makenete, A., Large Business, ABSA Bank Ltd and President, Southern African Biofuels Association, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa; Lemmer, W., Agricultural Economist, Industry Services, Grain South Africa, PO Box 88, Bothaville, 9660, South Africa; Kupka, J., Agribusiness Division, ABSA Bank Ltd, PO Box 7735, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
A multi-feedstock approach is crucial for sustainable biofuel production in South Africa. In respect of ethanol production, biofuel producers should be allowed to draw on a range of starch-based crops including maize. A multi-feedstock approach will enable producers to select crops best suited to the agro-climate of the regions where their plants are situated and to minimize logistic costs by sourcing crops grown closest to their plants. In recent months, plans to use maize to produce ethanol have raised concerns that this could jeopardize food security in South Africa. © 2008 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IAMA).