The government has opened a call for evidence on the potential use of crop-derived sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming to better understand how crops could contribute to greener aviation.

 At present, only fuels made from wastes, residues or recycled carbon are eligible under the UK SAF Mandate, which requires jet fuel suppliers to gradually increase SAF content from 2 % in 2025 to 22 % by 2040. Crop-based fuels are not yet included. 

The consultation does not propose immediate policy changes. Instead, it seeks insights on feedstock availability, costs, environmental impacts and sustainability risks, including effects on land use, biodiversity, water and food production.

The government wants to assess whether crop SAF could form part of the UK’s long-term low-carbon aviation strategy without compromising sustainability.

Businesses, researchers, farmers and NGOs are invited to contribute online, by email or by post, with all responses due by 16 March 2026.

The findings are expected to inform future policy decisions on SAF feedstocks and help guide the development of the UK’s sustainable aviation fuel industry.

Find out more and respond.