An Irish farming organization says the European Union should prioritize bioethanol imports from Brazil over beef as fuel prices surge globally.
Edmond Phelan, Rural Development chair of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association, said recent events in the Middle East have disrupted energy markets and sent fuel costs soaring. He argues Europe should increase bioethanol supply and use to meet renewable energy targets while reducing reliance on volatile oil markets.
“If the European Commission is determined to expand trade with Brazil, it should focus on sectors that do not harm vulnerable farm enterprises,” Phelan said. “Bioethanol is a product we cannot produce at scale ourselves and one that directly supports Europe’s energy needs.”
Ireland already uses bioethanol in its E10 petrol blend. Phelan said expanding imports makes more sense than bringing in beef the EU doesn’t need.
“What does not make sense is sacrificing rural livelihoods and the backbone of our rural economies to import beef we do not need,” he said.
The comments reference the proposed Mercosur trade agreement between the EU and South American countries including Brazil. Phelan called it reckless for the European Commission to advance the deal before scrutiny by the Court of Justice and debate in the European Parliament.
“This deal should not move another inch until that scrutiny and parliamentary debate are complete,” he said. “At a time when fuel costs are soaring, it makes far more sense for Europe to focus on importing products we actually need, such as bioethanol.”
Phelan emphasized the importance of prioritizing European food production and food security alongside improving energy security.
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- Source: https://worldbiomarketinsights.com/irish-farming-group-says-eu-should-import-brazilian-bioethanol/
