Biofuel production - Incentives for farmers are needed

The change in the way that biofuel is being gradually introduced in the makeup of petrol and diesel should be warmly welcomed. Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan announced yesterday that 4% of the petrol and diesel sold to motorists will have to come from biofuels by the middle of next year.

The small percentage mix will not require any change in vehicles. The minister explained that he plans to raise the threshold gradually as the necessary technology is developed.

In the European Commission 2009 report, biofuel made up only 0.6% of the diesel and petrol in Ireland, and two-thirds of that was imported. This country was mandated to have the biofuel threshold raised to 5.75% by next year, so we are already lagging behind.