There is a need to maintain the EU’s main source of protein feed that are the co-product of biofuels, the European farmers association Copa-Cogeca told EURACTIV.com as the Commission announced its intention to draw up an EU-wide “protein strategy”.
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“It is indeed a valuable protein co-product while the energy fraction, plant oil is used to manufacture biodiesel and other biofuels. From year to year, with these products, we decrease our import dependence by 10-15%. Therefore, it is not a minor matter in the protein supply discussion,” [Pekka Pesonen, the secretary-general of Copa-Cogeca] said.
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Focusing on the agronomical aspect, Pesonen said yields from protein crops must be improved considerably.
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“We know that protein crops potentially are good for the environment (for instance nitrogen-fixing leguminous species), but they need a boost for their performance by modern plant breeding techniques (NPBTs).”
The term NPBTs describes a number of scientific methods that genetically engineer plants to enhance traits like drought tolerance and pest resistance. The debate revolves whether these techniques should be classed as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and should, therefore, fall under the EU’s strict GMO approval process. A crucial Court decision expected to provide more clarity on the issue is due in May this year.
Read full, original post: Farmers defend biofuels as part of EU’s upcoming ‘protein strategy’
