By unlocking the export potential China offers the pig industry, not to mention the red meat sector as a whole, we could gain entry into a marketplace which comprises a fifth of the world’s population.Don’t cut our green subsidies, says industry
RENEWABLE energy producers have expressed their ‘deep concern’ that incentives put in place to encourage them into green energy schemes will be axed under Government cuts.
The Feed-in Tariff (FIT), which has been in place since April 2010, pays farmers a premium for every unit of green electricity produced.
A second scheme, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), is due to begin in April 2011 and will pay farmers for every unit of heat derived from a renewable source.
Both schemes are guaranteed to run for at least 20 years to ensure confidence in the market but there are now fears they will be cut to save money.
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) warned any cuts would threaten millions of pounds of investment and the creation of thousands of green jobs.
Stuart Pocock, the REA’s technical director said: “The scheme only came into effect on April 1 and was created, first and foremost, to give a stable long term financial environment to create an industry. Cutting rates now would seriously affect investor confidence.”
However, a spokesman from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said no decision would be made until after the Comprehensive Spending Review later this month.
Greg Barker, the Climate Change Minister, will attend EBEC next week (see below) where he will attempt to convince farmers why they should invest in green energy.
Want to learn more about renewable energy?
Farmers will be told exactly how to earn cash from green energy production at a bioenergy extravaganza taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on October 6-7.
The UK’s largest dedicated bioenergy exhibition – EBEC – includes a bioenergy exhibition, study tours, practical workshops and the Renewable Energy Association’s annual conference.
Farmers Guardian will also be holding free drop-in clinics on both days where farmers can ask experts any questions about renewable energy.
Visit www.farmersguardian.com/EBEC2010 for more information.
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