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Biofuels and sustainability: Decarbonising transport and fuelling food security

07-06-2017

Biofuels and sustainability: Decarbonising transport and fuelling food security

As part of a broader reform of the Renewable Energy Directive, the European Commission has proposed phasing out what it refers to as “food-based” biofuels in the EU – a use of terminology that implies production of crop-based biofuels in Europe is directly affecting food prices and availability.

The biofuels industry says this characterisation ignores evidence that the production of renewable fuels and food coexist sustainably and even support each other – without negative consequences in third countries.

The relationship between biofuels production and food security is central to the debate on how Europe can use renewable energy to achieve its climate and energy goals for transport.

EURACTIV invites you to discuss the role of biofuels and food security in reaching the EU’s climate and energy goals for transport. Questions will include:

- Can the EU achieve its renewable transport energy goals if the Commission’s proposal to phase-out crop-based biofuels is ultimately adopted?

- What would be the impact of the phase-out on employment, especially in EU farming?

- Has the use of crop-based biofuels in Europe adversely affected food prices?

- How can consumers be educated on the relationship between conventional biofuels and food production?

Supported by:

Location

Bibliothèque Solvay
Leopoldpark, Rue Belliard 137

Panellists

Pierre Bascou, Director Sustainability and income support - DG AGRI, European Commission
Olivier Dubois, Senior Natural Resources Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Fredrick Federley MEP, Member ITRE Committee
Prof. dr. Patricia Osseweijer, TU Delft
Luc Vernet, FarmEurope
Trees Robijns, Senior EU Agriculture & Bioenergy Policy Officer, Birdlife Europe
Alarik Sandrup, Director Public and Regulatory Affairs, Lantmännen

Schedule

15:00 – 15:30 Registration
15:30 – 15:40 Opening remarks
15:40 – 16:00 Key-note Speech
16:00 – 17:30 Discussion and Q&A
17:30 – 19:00 Cocktail reception