Uncertain demand leads to suspension of ADM German plant

Archer Daniels Midland Co. is temporarily stopping production at its biodiesel plant in Leer in Germany due to uncertainty about the future of biodiesel in the country, it said on Tuesday, according to Reuters. ADM states it will reassess biodiesel market requirements in the third quarter of this year.

Targets for biodiesel use in Germany have been scaled back progressively over the years, with little enthusiasm being shown in the country or other European states.

In June 2014, EU energy ministers agreed to limit production of biofuels made from food crops, responding to criticism they fuel inflation and do more harm than good to the environment.

Although the Leer plant's capacity is unknown private sources say it produces around 120,000 tonnes annually. ADM said it had no plans to idle other biodiesel plants in Germany.