Brussels: The European Parliament has rejected a proposed regulation that would have classified soybean oil as a high indirect land-use change (ILUC) risk feedstock under the Renewable Energy Directive, a decision welcomed by organisations representing Europe’s agriculture, biofuel and feed sectors.
In a joint statement issued on July 8, the organisations said the Parliament’s vote to adopt a motion objecting to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2680 supports evidence-based policymaking and brings greater alignment between the European Union’s renewable energy, agriculture and food security goals.
The groups said the decision would help protect the competitiveness of the European soy value chain, safeguard the interests of farmers and processors, and support the EU’s efforts to strengthen domestic protein production and strategic autonomy.
They thanked Members of the European Parliament for recognising the importance of soybeans to Europe’s food and animal feed supply and for rejecting what they described as a methodology that could have discouraged investment, innovation and the resilience of the European protein sector.
The organisations also urged the European Commission to develop a transparent and scientifically robust framework that supports climate and renewable energy objectives while encouraging sustainable protein production across Europe.
The joint statement was signed by COCERAL, COPA-COGECA, Donau Soja, the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), Euroseeds, FEDIOL, the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) and the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA).
