Chris Davies
Lib Dem MEP for the North West of England
“I am deeply concerned about the possible consequences that growing European demand for biofuels may have for the survival of tropical rain forests and peatland.
“In particular, I am yet to be satisfied that any certification scheme can guarantee that imported palm oil has not been grown at the expense of rain forests.
“Not only is corruption widespread, but any existing plantation that wished to comply with certification requirements could simply transfer palm oil grown for food purposes to biofuel uses, while expanding into virgin rain forest to provide replacements for the lost food crops.
“The European Commissioners for Environment, Energy and Enterprise have emphasised to me their concern to ensure that sustainability criteria are met and that certification is tight.
“I do not believe it can be, given Europe’s record to date on halting illegally logged wood.”