Mar 29 2010
An important report titled "Global Trade and Environmental Impact of the EU Biofuels Mandate" from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has revealed that European countries can cut down carbon emissions in the transport sector by using Brazilian sugarcane-based ethanol—the most emission free biofuel. When compared to petrol, this biofuel cuts down emissions of greenhouse gases by approximately 90%.
Emmanuel Desplechin, UNICA's Chief Representative in the European Union, commented that the report, which is meant for the European Commission, states that the production of ethanol by using Brazilian sugarcane will be have no impact at all on food prices. Besides being cost competitive in the European market, the ethanol also provides significant environment benefits by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, Desplechin added.
European Commission’s attempts to employ independent experts for the report were welcomed by UNICA, but requested improvements in the analysis. Desplechin said that certain number of errors is contained in the current report and once these are rectified, the agency is expecting much more benefits from the utilization of Brazilian sugarcane ethanol.
As the European Union is inching towards feasible solutions to reduce greenhouse gases, UNICA is calling upon the European Commission to involve all stakeholders in the consultation process to maintain accuracy of data and positive recommendations for improvements. Desplechin concluded that transparent and open consultation process will enable policy makers in Europe to satisfy all stakeholders.