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1st and 2nd Generation Biofuels and Agricultural Commodity Markets – our 4th annual conference – is a unique opportunity to hear detailed analysis of the interplay between production of ethanol and biodiesel and agricultural commodity markets. The latest report from FAO and OECD on the agricultural outlook 2009 - 2018 still identifies increasing biofuels production as a key factor in food prices. It is now essential for everyone involved in the trade, purchasing and economic planning of agricultural commodities to understand how developments in ethanol and biodiesel will affect markets for grains, oilseeds, edible oils and sugar.

Higher feedstock prices and falling oil prices have slowed growth in biofuels. But with both these trends now in reverse and suggestions that credit markets may have defrosted by the end of the year, how will production of ethanol and biodiesel react? Share the insights of biofuels industry insiders on the short term outlook.

In the medium term, political support will continue to drive growth in biofuels. The Renewable Energy Directive sets a new target of replacing 10% of transportation fuels with biofuels by 2020. But the effect that this strong consumption growth has on supply, demand and price of food crops is now subject to several variables – and this is the only conference where you can examine these issues in depth.

Everybody wants to guarantee the sustainability of biofuels and the Renewable Energy Directive contains criteria which will increasingly require the use of non-food feedstocks using 2nd generation technology. Billions of dollars have been invested in ligno cellulosic ethanol, algal biodiesel and other new processes, but when will these technologies come on stream, and what proportion of biofuels will they account for? And how will this affect demand for agricultural commodities as feedstocks? Hear assessments of these crucial questions and look beyond the hype to see the real issues for your organisation.

The interplay between biofuels production and water and land resources – including the hot topic of indirect land use change (ILUC) – will increasingly influence agricultural commodity markets. 1st and 2nd Generation Biofuels and Agricultural Commodity Markets combines analysis of these issues with short term outlooks for the major agricultural commodities when biofuels production recovers.

Join us in Brussels to network with and share the insights of leaders from government, ethanol and biodiesel producers, commodity analysts and the food industry. This is your only chance to analyse the changing impact of biofuels on agricultural commodity markets – and most importantly, on your organisation.