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Farmers and Land Managers see a future in renewables

Article added 25th November 2009

It was standing room only at the North East Renewables Event last month, as a capacity crowd of 220 farmers and land managers - with dozens more on a waiting list – attended an important seminar and exhibition organised by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) with support from Farming Futures.    

The North East has great potential for renewable energy, and has committed to producing 20% of all the electricity consumed in the region from renewables by 2020.

That ambition seems to be matched by the land management community, with 85% of those surveyed at the event saying that they think renewables are a good, or potentially good, business opportunity.  26% said they would “definitely take action” after the event and 56% said they would investigate further.

As well as presentations from the CLA and Farming Futures, sponsors Wardell Armstrong, Sintons, Fisher German, ONE and SFFS, brought along their renewables experts to explore the business case for investing in renewable energy, with much attention given to the financial incentives such as the new feed-in tariffs planned for 2010.

Madeleine Lewis from Farming Futures said, “The UK is now legally bound to produce 15% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020 and each region has a part to play in this. The new financial incentives being proposed by Government are making it look a more attractive investment. By investing in renewables farmers and land managers can turn a profit as well as contribute to a low carbon and energy-secure future.”

Angus Collingwood-Cameron, CLA North East Director, said: “The level of attendees and the positive feedback clearly demonstrates that farmers and land managers are really recognising the opportunity that is offered by renewable energy. The CLA will continue to lobby and advise its members to ensure that this opportunity is realised.”

In February 2009 half of all farmers surveyed in England as part of the Farming Futures project said they were already affected by climate change and more than 60% expect to be affected in the next ten years.