UK: farmers rally to support anaerobic digestion in Parliament
Almost 150 farmers joined around 90 Members of Parliament (MP) and Peers the UK’s House of Commons today to champion the anaerobic digestion industry.
Farming representatives from across the UK joined the farming themed event to raise awareness about the technology’s value to their businesses and the rural economy that took place last March. They also petitioned politicians for more targeted support for on-farm AD operators, as called earlier in February by the Renewable Energy Association.
The event is the anaerobic digestion industry’s first ever reception in the Houses of Parliament.
“The overwhelming political interest we have received – with almost 90 MPs and Peers requesting to join the event – could signal a marked shift in recognition for the industry’s considerable value,” said EBA Member Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association’s (ADBA) CEO Charlotte Morton.
According to Morton, a growth surge in on-farm AD, which has seen the number of plants double to 172 over the last two years, highlights how much farmers are recognising the benefit of integrating AD into their businesses.
The Shadow Farming Minister Nick Smith echoed ADBA’s sentiment, calling anaerobic digestion an “important tool” in the fight against climate change. “With farm incomes struggling, I would be happy to see more small farms access this technology if it meant less of our waste going to waste.”
The Chair of the influential House of Commons Select Committee, responsible for scrutinising the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs policy, Neil Parish also saw anaerobic digestion as a way to divert waste from landfills.
Source: Bioenergy News
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