Reducing the share of crop-based biodiesel would hamper food security, protein production, farmer income, and climate action in the long run
Summary
- Reducing the share of crop-based biodiesel would have short term effects on prices and availability but sends a wrong signal to farmers and producers, discouraging production in the long run. Ultimately, the market would find a new balance at a much lower volume with no advantage on price.
- The existence of a market for crop-based biofuels leads to crop production that surpasses food demand. During food crises, this surplus can be diverted to the food market. Eliminating or reducing the crop-based biofuel market would leave our food system more vulnerable, with less flexibility to immediately respond to food crises.
- Demand for crop-based biofuels increases production of protein-rich co-products while increasing and diversifying farm revenues, both of which increase food security.
- Crop-based biodiesel also has real advantages for the climate and environment. Higher crop production boosts the availability of co-products used to replace fossil chemicals in cosmetics and others uses. Moreover, crop-based biofuels offer GHG emission savings of more than 50% compared to fossil fuels, with waste and residue-based biofuels offering reductions of up to 90%.
European Biodiesel Board (EBB) – represents the European biodiesel industry
FEDIOL – represents the interests of the European vegetable oil and protein meal industry
Read the joint statement here