From Prof John Mathews.

Sir, Dominique Strauss-Kahn's article "A global approach is required to tackle high food prices" (April 21) certainly hits the right note, and argues tellingly against taking parochial approaches to the emerging food prices problem. Unlike other commentators on this issue, Mr Strauss-Kahn is restrained in his mention of biofuels as a positive contributory factor, noting that higher food prices "in part reflect well-intentioned, yet misguided policies in advanced economies, which attempt to stimulate biofuels made from foodstuffs through subsidies and protectionist measures".