Latest Oils & Fats International News

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased blending volumes for total renewable fuel and cellulosic and advanced biofuels under its finalised 2019 renewable volume requirements (RVOs) released on 30 November, Ethanol Producer magazine reported.

Norway will become the first country to stop the its biofuel industry buying palm oil in efforts to save rainforests, prevent climate change and protect endangered wildlife, the Independent newspaper reported on 4 December.

Indonesia began relaxing levies on palm oil exports on 5 December to stimulate trade, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance announced.

German chemical and pharmaceutical firm Bayer announced on 29 November that it would cut 12,000 jobs in a major restructuring following its US$63bn acquisition of US seed and pesticide giant Monsanto.

The European Commission (EC) has proposed restoring anti-subsidy duties against Argentine biodiesel imports after large amounts of cheap South American biodiesel being brought into the EU has threatened its industry, according to an EU document seen by Reuters.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on 19 November that it would allow producers of edible oils that contain at least 70% oleic acid to make qualified health claims (QHC) that their products contain cardiovascular benefits when replacing saturated fats.

The Japanese supplier of oils and fats ingredients, Fuji Oil Holding, has entered an agreement to acquire The Blommer Chocolate Company, the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate manufacturer in North America.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to propose new targets for the final three years of the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which are closer to current standards than the targets set by Congress in 2007, according to sources quoted by Reuters.

Record low water levels since summer along the Rhine river, the main European shipping artery, have jeopardised shipments of commodities, including rapeseed and rapeseed biodiesel, as well as chemicals and coal.

A five-year peer review study on Bayer’s new Intacta RR2 PRO soyabeans has shown that the product helps farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has an overall less negative effect on the environment, the German chemicals and pharmaceutical giant said in a press release on 15 November.

On 4 December, the European Council of Ministers adopted the EU’s new Renewable Energy Directive (REDII), which sets a minimum blending mandate for advanced biofuels beginning in 2022.