Another sector in which the NRC is active is the production of biofuels that aren't produced from agricultural sources, but from waste bio-digestion. Household waste and municipal wastewater are of little value, but they actually form biomasses that can be converted into biofuels. In fact, there are many other sources of biofuels.
The fact that biofuels are now being used to power airplanes demonstrates their potential. The source of the biofuels becomes important. It is quite appropriate and important to choose a source that has no impact on the food chain.