Crops for Biofuels

From 1^st April crops entering the biofuel market must demonstrates that Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG) associated with their cultivation are equal to or lower than the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) values.

Revised GHG emission figures supplied by the HGCA have been approved by the European Commission creating opportunities in the biofuel supply chain.  Regional figures submitted to the EU Commission in 2010 were high, meaning many production areas failed to meet the necessary criteria.  The revised (lower) figures have been accepted for use, meaning 97% of oilseed rape (previously <5%), 84% of wheat (previously 83%) and 100% of sugar beet (previously 0%) production will meet the emissions criteria.

There are two ways of assessing whether crops meet the RED default criteria, either the regional data or actual performance data per farm is required.  As the vast majority of regions are now accepted as meeting the threshold level, most can be submitted using the regional benchmark assessment rather than having to submit the per-farm data, saving time, cost and also potentially adding value to the crop.