Scottish farmers receive biofuels boost

The European Commission has given a boost to the Scottish rapeseed industry by accepting Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) into its sustainability certification scheme for biofuels.

This means SQC’s quality assurance schemes, which covers both oilseed and cereal crops throughout the country, have met sustainability criteria set by the EU renewable energy and fuel quality directives.

‘For us to gain official approval from the European Commission is both a relief and a boost with the oilseed rape harvest only a few weeks away,’ says SQC chairman Douglas Morrision. ‘The decision will mean that crops with SQC accreditation will be able to access biofuels markets without any additional paperwork or third party audits.’

Rapeseed now produced on SQC approved farms will now have better access into biofuels markets both at home and abroad.

‘Around 80% of the Scottish oilseed crop is exported and much of that is destined for processing into biodiesel in Germany and other member states,’ Morrison adds. ‘With harvest looming, this EU approval will help to sustain the ex-farm price for rapeseed in Scotland.’