The environmental and social effects of increased production of agrofuels – liquid fuels produced from agricultural products – are much debated. Proponents consider it the answer to both rising oil prices and the negative climatic consequences of fossil fuels, but they are opposed by those who warn for the threats that agrofuels pose to food security, biodiversity and poverty reduction.

Within the framework of DPRN, a group of Dutch NGOs and research institutes established the Agrofuels Platform to promote a discussion on the social and ecological effects of agrofuel production and the resulting policy dilemma’s.

The discussion paper Burning Questions shows that there is a growing consensus among scientists that policy measures to stimulate biofuel production lead to significant agricultural expansion, with negative effects on biodiversity and food prices.

At a multi-stakeholder meeting in The Hague, several scientists, practitioners and policymakers gathered in February 2010 to discuss the effects of agrofuel production and the related policy options. Regarding the appropriateness of existing policy instruments, the meeting revealed the opposed perspectives of NGOs and scientists versus those of policymakers. But there were also points of consensus.

The DPRN process resulted in several follow-up activities, including a three year project aimed at improving the sustainability of oil palm production in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.