19/07/07
NFU Scotland’s energy event gave local farmers a good
deal to think about as they considered on-farm energy production
with experts from the field.
The event was held on Monday 16 July at Carmichael Estate, Biggar,
with speakers:
• Neil Phillips, Development Officer for Strathclyde & Central
Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on Renewable Energy and Grants;
• Trevor Blackburn, Woodfuel Information Officer for the Forestry
Commission; and
• Neil Thompson, Energy Crops Manager, Scotland, Renewable Fuels
Ltd.
NFU Scotland Vice President Stewart Wood, who concluded the event,
said:
“All those who came to the event heard three very interesting
presentations on options for energy production on their farms.
Neil Thompson said that Renewable Fuels Ltd. are looking for more
people to plant a minimum of six to ten hectares of willow coppice
on their land. He spoke about the technical issues involved, including
planting, weed control, harvesting, fertiliser, sludge usage, pests
and diseases.
“A number of farmers at the event were surprised that potential
yields were bigger than expected, although they did ask questions
about deep root and drainage issues. Mr Thompson agreed that this
is sometimes a problem, although surface-rooting varieties can
stop this from happening and also make it easier to reinstate the
field.
“Some farmers might think twice about planting willow coppice
as cereals prices have improved over the last couple of years,
however, the group did think it is better to consider every available
option.
“Neil Philips spoke in the main about heat production, although
he did touch on electricity. His organisation gives out grant aid
for domestic production which, while it would not contribute directly
to farm businesses, could help farmers cut costs at home. The Strathclyde & Central
Energy Efficiency Advice Centre advise people on all aspects of
domestic renewable energy, including hydro, wind, heat pumps, biomass
and solar energy. It was most striking that there are many things
we could actually do at home and on the farm to save energy, which
surely complements farming’s response to the renewable energy
revolution.
“Trevor Blackburn from the Forestry Commission drew attention
to the fact that some countries, especially Finland and Sweden,
are much further on than we are in Scotland, particularly in their
use of biomass, which they use in the main to heat their homes.
“I am pleased that so many people came to hear these interesting
presentations and we are very grateful to Richard Carmichael for
hosting the event, and to Alex Alison for feeding us all a fine
barbecue!”
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