But it has a lot of problems as well. A long detailed article on the history of sugar cane and Brazil's experience with ethanol from it is at [link|http://europe.theoildrum.com/node/2390|The Oil Drum].
Cheers,
Scott.
(Who is not sure he want to see a [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Sugar_Refining_Company|Sugar Trust] resurrected.)