The European Compound Feed Manufacturers Assn. (FEFAC) has published its position ([17] PR 17) on the European Union’s revised Renewable Energy Directive of November 2016 and is calling for consistency among EU policies influencing the protein supply and the strict implementation of waste hierarchy principles.

EU biofuel production from agricultural raw materials generates significant quantities of protein-rich co-products that are used in animal nutrition -- such as oilseed meals and dried distillers grains -- and that soften the EU protein deficit, according to FEFAC.

FEFAC believes that capping the contribution of crop-based biofuels to the renewable energy targets should be maintained as an effective instrument to mitigate the potential adverse effects of first-generation biofuels linked to competition for land and water use while maintaining the availability of protein-rich co-products. It said dual-use crops such as rapeseed meal make a more positive contribution by providing protein-rich feed materials with a broad amino acid profile.

The impact of future adaptations of biofuel-related EU policies on the EU protein supply should be assessed and monitored comprehensively, covering the availability of EU protein sources, by using the recently published EU protein balance sheet at the upcoming EU market observatory on cereals and oilseeds, FEFAC said.

For “advanced” or “second-generation” biofuels, FEFAC noted that it is concerned with the listing of feedstocks that are suitable for feed and food use (such as molasses). The proposed blending obligation would provide a subsidized incentive that could distort agricultural markets while going against the principles of the waste hierarchy that prioritizes feed and food use over energy use.

FEFAC represents 24 national associations in 23 EU member states as well as associations in Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia, Russia and Norway with observer/associate member status. The European compound feed industry employs more than 100,000 people on approximately 3,500 production sites.