DECEMBER 19, 2008: The adoption of the Renewable Energy Directive by the EuropeanParliament is a fantastic opportunity for British agriculture,the NFU says.
The Directive will introduce mandatory targets requiring the EU to meet 20 per cent of energy use and ten per cent of transport energy from renewable sources by 2020.NFU President Peter Kendall said: “This Directive represents a fantastic opportunity for British agriculture and will put in place long term market signals for renewables in Europe as well as opening up enormous new market potential for farmers in the UK with the increased uptake of biomass for energy and renewable fuels.”Mandatory sustainability criteria in the Directive are a world first and UK agriculture is well placed to meet these high environmental standards.”British agriculture can play a key role in energy security by delivering the sustainable biomass for energy and transport fuels needed to help meet the targets. This shows the important role that famers can play as part of the solution to climate change. Sourcing assured home grown crops for green industries such as biofuels and using the co-products of production for animal feed will benefit both the environment and UK farmers.”This Directive also provides security and confidence for companies already constructing biofuel plants as well as offering real investment opportunities for the future.”
