NFU: RFA report shows benefits of British biofuels

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Tuesday, 07, Oct 2008 12:00

A total of 97 per cent of biofuels sourced from British feedstocks have met the environmental standards for the RTFO, according to the Renewable Fuels Agency report published today. This shows the British model of sustainable feedstocks is a leading example of biofuel production.

Feedstocks grown under the Assured Combinable Crops Scheme have been benchmarked against set environmental criteria and are one of only a few schemes currently in operation which meet the high standards in place.

NFU Vice President Paul Temple said: “Sustainable biofuels are both good for the environment and offer new opportunities for British famers. Although British biofuels still only make up a small percentage of current biofuels used, the fact they are one of the few meeting the qualifying environmental standard shows that these biofuels have significant potential to contribute to reducing transport emissions.

“We hope that suppliers will recognise the benefits of buying British feedstocks and this new renewable fuel source continues to grow giving our farmers and growers additional markets to trade in.”

Notes to editors

Renewable Fuels Agency is the body set up to administer the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation

RTFO came into force on April 15 2008 and requires 2.5% of fuel sales to be met with biofuels in 2008 rising to 5% in 2010.

Feedstocks meeting qualifying environmental standard account for around 20 per cent of biofuels sourced

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Press Officer: Sharon Hockley

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The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members.