The Commission has adopted a delegated act setting out the criteria for determining high
indirect land-use change (ILUC)-risk feedstock for biofuels and the criteria for certifying low (ILUC)–risk biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels.
ILUC can occur when pasture or agricultural land previously destined for food and feed markets is diverted to biofuel production. In this case, food and feed demand still needs to be satisfied, which may lead to the extension of agriculture land into areas with high carbon stock such as forests, wetlands and peatlands.
The Directive sets national limits for the total contribution towards the renewable energy targets of biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from food or feed crop and introduces an exemption from these limits for fuels that are certified to present a low ILUC-risk.
The delegated act will increase the overall environmental benefits of the EU biofuel policy. Setting clear criteria for certification of low ILUC-risk fuels will also provide incentives to increase productivity and apply best practice in the agricultural sector.