Oil palm plantations in Colombia: a model of future expansion

► Biofuels are promoted as an important energy alternative where oil palm is a key actor. ► Concerns that the negative effects of biofuels may be worse than the benefits, including deforestation and competing with food supply. ► Recent and future impacts of oil palm plantations in Colombia a major producer of Latin America with high expectations for the future are analyzed. ► We integrate econometric and spatial analyses to evaluate present and future impacts on land use.