Biofuel targets to be cut as food crisis fears grow
THE Government plans to slash biofuel targets by almost half amid growing concerns over their environmental impact.
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday said he wanted to see 3pc of transport fuel coming from crops by 2010, down from the 5.75pc target set last year.
The proposal follows controversy about the role of biofuel production in rising food prices which can result in people going hungry in poorer countries.
Mr Ryan also intends to bring in strict rules to ensure biofuel producers use sustainable methods.
"This new target reflects growing concerns that increases in the amounts of biofuels being produced were having some adverse environmental and developmental effects around the world," he said.
NGOs, farming organisations and environmental groups have been invited to give their views on the new target as part of an eight-week public consultation.
- Brian Hutton
