13 Oct 2023
by Rose Riby, Gillian Barrow, Simon Williams

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.


Background information


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

Head of Combinable Crops and Seed, AIC

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.

Holding a range of BASIS qualifications and coming from a farming background gives Rose a broad view of UK agriculture.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
01733 385279

Read lessmore

Gillian Barrow

Gillian Barrow

Technical Manager, AIC Services

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.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
01733 385274

Read lessmore

Simon Williams

Simon Williams

Technical Manager, AIC Services

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.

Previous to his role with AIC, Simon was employed in a variety of technical roles in the food industry covering primary and further processing of meat, breakfast cereals and a product technologist role with a major retailer.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
01733 385245

Read lessmore