This report demonstrates how the use of first generation biofuels in temperate climates is land-intensive and inefficient intechnical terms, whereas first generation biofuels in tropical climates and second generationbiofuels in general—offer a much more effective use of land resources.

The use of GHG reduction criteria can provide incentives for producers to rely on the most productivefeedstocks when sourcing biofuels for the EU market, which will often mean import ofbiofuels. A threshold of 50% or more would tend to eliminate many of the first generationbiofuels produced in temperate climates.

Member States should be encouraged to link financial incentives to the GHG reduction capabilities. Moreover, such incentives could be better linked to development cooperation inthe case of imports, so as to insure that Least Developed Countries (i.e. in Africa) can gainaccess to larger markets rather than only the major producers such as Brazil.

More analysis and research is needed in order to improve the incorporation of land use change into estimates of GHG emissions from biofuels.

Download report (PDF)