In the past decade a significant evidence base has been built about biofuels' environmental and socioeconomic impacts. What is still missing is a discussion about whether it is desirable, or even feasible, to synthesize this evidence in a clear, coherent and policy-relevant manner, and if so, how exactly such a synthesis should be conducted. This Short Communication presents arguments for and against the adoption of a unified framework for synthesizing biofuel impacts, and seeks common ground between the two perspectives. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.