Update on UK's RED II assurance recognition by European Commission
Over the summer AIC has been working to resolve potential changes to the recognition of UK Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II assurance by the European Commission.
AIC is working closely with similarly impacted schemes - Red Tractor Assurance and Scottish Quality Crops - to maintain access to the EU market as a valuable outlet for biofuels under RED II.
Latest progress
Following productive discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT), government officials communicated to AIC and other stakeholders on Friday (6 October) that a formal process through which Voluntary Schemes can be recognised in the UK is now being established.
AIC continues to engage with DfT to ensure that this process does not duplicate work already undertaken with the European Commission under RED II.
Meanwhile, positive talks have been held with the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) on the potential to achieve European accreditation by means of mutual recognition between accreditation bodies.
If achieved, this could represent a relatively quick and cost-effective way of maintaining UK access to the European biofuels market.
Next steps
In the coming weeks, AIC and the other assurance schemes will meet with the European Commission to address concerns and seek an urgent resolution, with the express aim of mitigating the potential loss of assurance recognition at the end of 2023.
Collaboration and dialogue between the UK voluntary schemes, key government departments, industry trade associations and businesses continue to help resolve the matter.
Members and Participants will be kept up to date with developments.
Visit AIC’s website for more information, including FAQs.
Authors
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.
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.
