Important update on UK's RED II assurance recognition
Since the summer, AIC has been working with other voluntary schemes, industry and the Government to resolve the potential loss of the UK's biofuels assurance status with the European Commission, known as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II.
In June, the Commission notified AIC, Red Tractor Assurance (RTA) and Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) of its intention to withdraw accreditation for UK-based RED II assurance schemes at the end of 2023, which has the potential to affect UK biofuel exports.
The Commission said this was because it only recognises schemes accredited in EU Member States, and the UK is now regarded as a third country since it left the EU.
Through liaison with voluntary schemes in other countries, it became apparent that all were experiencing difficulty in meeting the Commission's demands.
Important development
On 12 December, AIC and other voluntary schemes received a communication from the European Commission. This had been sent to EU Member States on 11 December, as the European voluntary schemes face similar challenges posed by the Commission's decision.
The communication included the following confirmation:
“Accreditation: We looked into the issue based on your feedback and concluded that more time is needed for the implementation of Article 11(1) of the Implementing Regulation on certification. We therefore prepared an implementing act postponing the application of this provision…”
What this means for scheme Participants
This decision by the European Commission is welcomed by AIC as it removes the potential for UK voluntary scheme recognition to be withdrawn in the near future, maintaining access to the EU market as a valuable outlet for biofuels under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II.
However, AIC and other voluntary schemes are yet to see the draft EU regulation so it is not immediately clear for how long the postponement of implementation of Article 11(1) of the Implementing Regulation on certification will be.
AIC's engagement with all stakeholders on this matter continues, and Members and scheme Participants will be kept up to date with further developments.
NUTS 2 values
AIC and the other voluntary schemes have also received an update from the European Commission on the status of NUTS 2 values.
The voluntary schemes are currently reviewing this information and plan to send a common communication to all scheme Participants next week confirming the updates for the supply chain.
Authors
Gillian Barrow
Gill Barrow is Technical Manager for AIC Services. Gill is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the AIC assurance scheme TASCC.
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Technical Manager for AIC Services. He is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the FEMAS and UFAS assurance schemes as well as being the key contact for mutual recognition with European scheme owners and managing Earned Recognition relationships with UK feed and food competent authorities.
Rose Riby
Rose Riby is Head of Combinable Crops and Seed. Having worked across these sectors for many years, she has a depth and breadth of experience in roles in grain trading, plant breeding and knowledge exchange at AHDB.