Farm energy
Biofuel limit ‘will leave UK farmers at disadvantage’
UK farmers will be left at a dis- advantage to their European neighbours under government proposals to limit the amount of crop-based biofuels used by motor- ists, say industry leaders. The Department for Transport
wants the volume of crop-based biofuels allowed to be used on UK roads limited to 4% in 2018, de- creasing incrementally until it reaches 2% by 2032. But many other EU countries have opted for 7% – the maximum allowed under an EU directive. The NFU says the biofuels market is an important source of high protein feed, producing nearly 1m tonnes annually and providing British farmers with an important outlet for their crops and financial security for
many producers. NFU combinable crops board
chairman Mike Hambly said: “The NFU is disappointed that the crop cap is proposed to be set at one of the lowest levels in Europe – a decision which clearly puts Brit- ish farmers at a competitive dis- advantage to their European neighbours.”
Mixed message
Mr Hambly described the cap of 4% in 2018 as a “welcome increase” from the initial government pro- posal of 2%. But he said the in- tention to incrementally decrease the crop cap to 2% by 2032 sent a mixed message to industry. “The security of the biofuels market gives farmers the confi- dence to make investments and
manage volatility, which ultimate- ly benefits farming’s productivi- ty and the nation’s food security,” warned Mr Hambly.
The uncertainty of Brex- it meant it was vital for the in- dustry that farmers had access to as many markets as possible. This included the market for bi- ofuels, which could help mitigate climate change by reducing reli- ance on fossil fuels. Mr Hambly said: “An industry
The government should be supporting the sector, says Mike Hambly
that produces enough high protein animal feed for circa 40% of the UK dairy industry – displacing imported feed – is one that should be strengthened and supported by the government, not constrained. “Government support and commitment to British farming is needed across all departments. This issue demonstrates the need for policies that practically sup- port profitable, productive and progressive farming.”
36 MIDLAND FARMER • OCTOBER 2017
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