Brussels, 25/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission proposed on Wednesday 20 July to gradually end the use of conventional biofuels and to replace them with advanced biofuels, plans that are not at all to the liking of Copa-Cogeca which represents farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU.
In a press release, Copa-Cogeca welcomed the Commission decision to “phase in advanced biofuels” as part of the European strategy for low emission mobility (EUROPE 11598). It rejected, however, “phasing out of EU targets for conventional biofuels after 2020”.
Copa-Cogeca pointed out that “both types of biofuel are crucial in the future if the EU is to achieve a sustainable, low carbon economy”.
Pekka Pesonen, Copa-Cogeca Secretary General, said that conventional biofuels, produced from EU arable crops, not only provide the EU with “environmentally-friendly transport fuels to decarbonise road transport in an inexpensive way” but also ensure food security and balance the EU agricultural markets. In addition, they also ensure food security and balance the EU agricultural markets, he stated. They boost animal feed supplies as “only a fraction of the crop is used to produce biodiesel or bioethanol”.
The organisation argues, further, that the remainder is a protein-rich by-product used for animal feed which is crucial for livestock producers especially in the current crisis.
The Commission communication “does not provide any concrete measures to implement the climate and energy policy targets in the road transport sector”, Copa-Cogeca regrets. It believes that to achieve these targets, advanced biofuels need to be developed on a commercial scale in parallel with conventional biofuels. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)