Sir, – Ethanol fuel accounts for under 2 per cent of grain demand in Europe, as evidenced by Eurostat energy and agriculture data, and not 10 per cent (Letterss, April 8th).
For each tonne of ethanol produced from grain starch, the process also results in a tonne of protein-rich feed for livestock, directly displacing soy meal imports from the Americas. This is critical for Europe’s plant-protein security. Ethanol is a “food and fuel” solution, bringing efficiency and resilience to the agri-food economy, as well as cutting carbon emissions in transport.
Ethanol is the main ingredient in hand and surface sanitisers, as well as inks, drinks and solvents. Our sector responded instantly to the Covid crisis, providing all the needed volumes. – Yours, etc,
JAMES COGAN,
Ethanol Europe,
Dublin 4.