PARLIAMENT’S Environment Food and Rural Affairs committee has criticised the Government for its “muddled and unfocussed” approach to biofuels.

Biofuels have been heralded by many as a new source of income for farmers, who can grow the crops used to make renewable energy in “green” power stations.

The EFRA committee, which scrutinises the work of DEFRA, said it supported the emerging biofuels industry in principle but, in a damning indictment of DEFRA biofuels policy, committee chairman David Curry MP said: “The Government does not appear to have a robust, settled view on this crucial question.

“Until it does, it cannot properly formulate proper policies – it needs to get its act together.” Rad Thomas, NFU spokesman on non-food uses, said: “The committee has understood the need to quickly set in motion the necessary capital works and grower incentives if we are to have any chance of reaching the EU 2005 target for biofuels usage.

“Farmers feel increasingly frustrated by government departmental co-ordination and confusion surrounding the issue.

“What we need now is some concerted and strategic action.

“Farmers look forward to supplying this exciting new market.”