Revised GHG figures, supplied by HGCA, have been approved by the European Commission (EC) and can be used by biofuel suppliers when reporting under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).

From 1 April 2013, crops entering the biofuel supply chain must demonstrate that GHG emissions associated with their cultivation are equal to or lower than the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) default values:

• · Oilseed rape – 29g CO₂-eqv/MJ biofuel
• · Winter wheat – 23g CO₂-eqv/MJ biofuel
• · Sugar beet – 12g CO₂-eqv/MJ biofuel

There are two ways to calculate if UK crops meet the RED default values – either figures from individual farms or regional figures can be used.

UK regional figures submitted to the EC in 2010 caused concern as many key production areas did not meet the RED default values and would have restricted access to the biofuels market.

HGCA worked with Department for Transport (DfT) and an industry consortium (AEA, AIC, British Sugar, DARD, DECC, Defra, Ensus, E4tech, GAFTA, NFU, REA, SCOPA, and SFQC) to ensure that data used in the regional calculations was based on the most robust and up-to-date evidence.

With input from the consortium, HGCA was able to collate and use improved data for average yields, oil content (oilseed rape), fertiliser use, fuel consumption, soil organic matter and nitrogen content of residues returned to soils.

The revised figures, now accepted by the Commission, paint a far better picture for UK biofuel cultivation:

• · Oilseed rape – 97% of UK production meets the criteria (was less than 5%)
• · Winter wheat – 84% of UK production meets the criteria (was c. 83%)
• · Sugar beet – 100% of UK production meets the criteria (was 0%)

“The great news is that the EC have accepted the revised regional figures and they can be used with immediate effect, thus ending a period of great uncertainty, boosting confidence and potentially adding several million pounds to the value of the UK biofuel supply chain each year,” reported Harley Stoddart, HGCA Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager.

“Growers should not be alarmed if their area is in excess of the RED default values, as solutions may still be found. The key is to discuss contracts with buyers and use carbon footprinting tools to help understand what can be done on-farm to reduce GHG emissions,” concluded Mr Stoddart.