At a multi-stakeholder meeting in The Hague, several scientists, practitioners and policymakers gathered in February 2010 to discuss the effects of agrofuel production and the related policy options. Regarding the appropriateness of existing policy instruments, the meeting revealed the opposed perspectives of NGOs and scientists versus those of policymakers. But there were also points of consensus.
Opinions about the appropriateness of blending targets to stimulate biofuel use varied greatly. The proponents argued that legally defined blending targets offer a unique and unprecedented legal opportunity to implement obligatory sustainability criteria for agrofuels. This, in turn, can have positive effects on wider agricultural production. They thus hope that (elements of) the biofuel regulation will spill over to the wider agricultural sector. Further, proponents of the blending targets note that the regulations can be adjusted to create extra incentives for second-generation biofuels.
Those who oppose blending targets argued that they are a poor policy tool, as the sustainability criteria are weak and risks associated with agricultural expansion are large. Some participants argued for abolishing the blending targets all together: ‘Why would you want to increase the demand for agricultural products artificially if you know that the use of agrofuels will not contribute to significant GHG emission reductions, and will inevitably lead to extra agricultural expansion, possibly at the expense of biodiversity, food security and smallholder agriculture?’ They argued that it is better to invest in productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector as a whole, and in various initiatives that are already in place to pursue sustainability of trade chains.
Notwithstanding these different viewpoints, all participants agreed that it is necessary to adjust the current regulations at the European level. The Netherlands should play an active role to improve the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) criteria and guidelines, as they are currently inappropriate. The RED sustainability criteria need to include: (i) indirect land-use changes (ILUC), (ii) N2O emissions, and (iii) social criteria. Also, incentives for second/third-generation biofuels should be further developed. A full report of the meeting can be found here.