The European Parliament has voted to adopt a resolution objecting to a European Commission delegated regulation that would have classified soybean oil as a high indirect land use change, or ILUC, risk feedstock under the Renewable Energy Directive.
The vote prevents the proposed classification from taking effect and was welcomed by a coalition of European agriculture, grain, feed, biodiesel and seed organizations. The groups said the decision supports an evidence-based approach to policymaking while better aligning the European Union's renewable energy, agriculture and food security goals.
According to the organizations, the outcome helps protect the competitiveness of the European soy value chain by supporting farmers, processors and related industries. They also said the vote reinforces the EU's efforts to expand domestic protein production and strengthen strategic autonomy.
The coalition said the proposed methodology would have discouraged investment and innovation across the European protein sector while reducing resilience within the soy supply chain.
The organizations are now calling on the European Commission to develop a transparent, scientifically sound framework for evaluating feedstocks that supports climate and energy objectives while maintaining sustainable European protein production.
The organizations supporting the statement include COCERAL, COPA-COGECA, Donau Soja, the European Biodiesel Board, Euroseeds, FEDIOL, the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation and the Grain and Feed Trade Association.
Source: European Biodiesel Board, "EBB welcomes Protein Action Plan, highlighting synergy between biofuels and food security"