Oilseeds - a major source of protein …. Depending on Biodiesel
Mike Hambly
National Farmers Union - UK
As a farmer and a livestock producer growing rapeseed and using protein meals for the cattle, Mr
Hambly is in a good position to testify on benefits of oilseeds both in the crop rotation, and in the
livestock farming;
Oilseeds are primarily protein : 60% protein meal vs 40 vegetable oil
Development of the oilseeds sector is relatively recent in the EU, and lately has been linked to
biodiesel as an outlet for rapeseed oil.
Where is the Indirect LUC?
Until recently a mandatory set-aside (ranging from 5% and up to 17%) was imposed on EU farmers:
rapeseed precisely has expanded on the “industrial set aside” thanks to the opportunity offered by
biodiesel.
The implementation of a biofuels policy since 2003 triggered the doubling of the EU rapeseed
production (22 Million ton in 2014 vs 12 MioT in 2003). EU Biodiesel demand has created its own EU
oilseed oil supply.
Food against fuel?
More rapeseed production means more EU protein for animal feedstock helping to mitigate the EU
protein deficit. Thanks for increased production EU oilseed meal represent 32% of EU consumption
up from 20% in 2003.
What about the oil: in fact although good for health, EU demand for rapeseed oil in human
consumption has been stable for decades (3 Million tons).
Oilseed benefits at risk with the ILUC directive.
Today 70% of EU rapeseed-oil is used in biodiesel: the magnitude of the “ILUC-risk” for the oilseed
sector is almost a question of life or death. What could be lost with ILUC implementation?
- 16 Million tons of EU produced protein meals to be replaced by imported soybean.
- Environmental benefits of rapeseed as a break crop… not that many other alternative in
rotations
- Major source of farm revenue in some lesser productive EU regions … could lead to
abandonment
- Rural jobs … 100 000 jobs (80% in agriculture)
From a farmer’s point of view : ILUC is a false debate.
Let’s focus on things that we control!
Farmers are constantly improving their practices. Using fewer fertilizers, less pesticides… and in fact
reducing CO2. They are engaged in traceability through environmental programs.
Let’s not forget that the best answer to reducing ILUC risks is improving productivity!
One may question some CAP pillar one and two policies in this respect. ILUC for all or ILUC for none!