What starts as a technical change in German climate policy threatens to become a problem for farmers across Europe. According to the agricultural association UFOP, the planned reduction of the biofuel ceiling will lead to less biodiesel and therefore to less rapeseed meal, an indispensable source of protein in animal feed.
UFOP emphasizes that the production of biodiesel and the supply of rapeseed meal are inextricably linked. In Germany, around 10 million tons of rapeseed are processed in oil mills each year. Of this, more than a million tons are used for biodiesel and the residue, rapeseed meal, is crucial as animal feed and as a substitute for genetically modified soybean meal.
There is a fear that a lowered national ceiling will reduce biodiesel production. According to UFOP, this automatically means less scrap for the market, with possible shortages and higher feed prices as a result.
Decline in export figures: signals from the field
The figures speak volumes. Between July 2024 and April 2025, the export of rapeseed meal from Germany decreased by 9 percent. The Netherlands, as the largest buyer, even saw a decrease of almost 17 percent, while France actually bought more.
The data show that these changes are not hypothetical: the scrap flow has already decreased visibly. UFOP concludes that a too strict ceiling will further increase the pressure on animal feed markets.
Political tension
The conflict revolves around the implementation of RED III in Germany, with the environment and agriculture ministries currently negotiating the exact ceiling for biofuels from cultivated biomass. UFOP is urging agriculture minister Alois Rainer to opt for a maximum of 5,3 percent of total fuel use, a level that the organization believes can ensure both CO2 reduction and sufficient scrap production.
At the same time, the return of fiscal incentives for electric driving is playing a role. This reduces the demand for biodiesel, which adds extra weight to the argument for a higher ceiling.
Between climate targets and feed security
This issue is emblematic of the broader “tank or plate” discussion. When agricultural land is used for biofuel production, this has a direct impact on food and feed security. UFOP therefore advocates an integrated approach in which sustainable greenhouse gas savings do not conflict with economic stability in agriculture.
The case is relevant for the Netherlands. As a major importer of German rapeseed meal, the Netherlands is directly sensitive to changes in supply and price. A tighter supply can lead to higher costs in the animal feed sector.
In essence, UFOP warns that the German plan could lead to climate and energy targets having unintended side effects. While emissions fall, feed costs could rise and problems could arise for farmers at home and abroad. UFOP therefore wants not a leaner but an optimal biofuel ceiling that serves both the climate and feed security.
Source: Biofuel-news.com
