EU to reduce use of crops to create biofuel

EU member states will be urged to produce more biofuel from residues, wastes and seaweed as part of a proposed cap on fuels made from farmed crops.

MEPs and the Council of Ministers have agreed upon a compromise plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions caused by the use of farm land for biofuel crops.

The committee endorsed the outcome of the EU talks with the Latvian presidency by 51 votes to 12, with one abstention.

Legislation requires EU member states to ensure renewable energy accounts for at least 10% of energy consumption in transport by 2020.

The approved compromise states first-generation biofuels (from crops grown on agricultural land) should account for up to 7% of final energy consumption in transport by 2020. Unlimited use of biofuels has increased food prices and deforestation as biofuels and food crops compete for the same agricultural land, the ministers said.

“It was a very challenging file and we didn’t achieve all we wanted to achieve, said Finnish MEP Nils Torvalds. “There are very different capabilities and approaches between member states on advanced biofuels, some are willing to go forward more than others.