THE HAGUE, 15/04/08 - An accord concluded by the Netherlands and Brazil on the production of bio-fuel has received criticism from an unexpected quarter; the conservatives (VVD) fear consequences for the environment.

President Lula of Brazil concluded an agreement with the Netherlands last weekend on joint development of bio-fuel. "This will be extracted from sugar-beet, for which rain forests will be cut down," complained VVD MP Helma Nepperus. "It will also be at the expense of valuable agricultural land. With the present trend of rising food prices, something else can better be done with this."

The VVD is not known as an environmental party. Labour (PvdA) MP Diederik Samsom, as former Greenpeace activist, is certainly known for his green engagement. But although he says the accord had "better not" been concluded, but does not want a debate on it as does the VVD.

The Dutch government thinks it can play an important role in the transport and re-export of bio-brand fuels from Brazil to Europe. The aim of the agreement is partnership in areas including sustainable production, logistics and transport of bio-fuels. The Netherlands and Brazil also jointly want to help developing countries set up sustainable projects, according to the economic affairs ministry. Brazil is the world's biggest producer of bio-ethanol, a fuel extracted from sugar crops.