"Regulation on biofuel production would help local farmers, and the environment"- Farron

3.16.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th May 2007

Local MP Tim Farron has today backed calls for regulation of the production of biofuels. While biofuels are unquestionably greener and more environmentally friendly, unless their production is properly controlled it could become very damaging for rainforests and other vital habitats.

Mr Farron has tabled a parliamentary Early Day Motion which calls on the government to introduce regulation to ensure that if large quantities of biofuels are produced, they are produced more responsibly with more attention paid to curbing the potential damage to the climate.

Tim is also concerned that an inadequately regulated market would lead to greater hardship for the world's poorest people if land set aside for essential food crops was switched to more lucrative biofuel crops. Greater control on their production would also provide more opportunity for British farmers to become involved in the production of biofuels should they wish.

Mr Farron said:

"Biofuels are an important innovation and of course my EDM is not calling for a ban on them, just more rigorous regulation. Biofuels can be a part of the solution, but should not be relied upon solely to satisfy our addiction to fossil fuels.

"I would also like to see British farmers being given the chance to produce biofuels as well, this would mean that food production in the poorest countries wouldn't be threatened and swathes of rainforest would not have to be destroyed and British farmers would benefit."