RHI review can put tariff on long-tariff footing
Reacting to this morning’s [28 Feb] news from DECC that the biomethane injection tariff will be reviewed, Charlotte Morton, chief executive, ADBA said: “We welcome the announcement that the government plans to review the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) biomethane injection tariff. The industry needs tariffs which will fairly incentivise all scales of biomethane injection, and […]
New environmental scheme for farmers to prioritise biodiversity
Farming Minister George Eustice announced today that the new environmental land management scheme will provide funding for farmers and land managers who deliver benefits for wildlife, improve water quality and create woodland. Mr Eustice said: “We have a great track record in countryside stewardship schemes and we want to build on what has been started. […]
A grass roots approach to flooding
Scientists at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), are working with partners at Rothamsted Research North Wyke in Devon to develop new grasses that enable grassland soils to capture increased volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing the risk of flooding downstream. The 5 year £2.5 million LINK project named SUREROOT is funded […]
DECC miss opportunity for FIT tariff consultation
The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has today [19 Feb] announced that it will not be consulting on action to address FIT degression for small scale AD. This goes against previous statements including the letter we received from the Minister before Christmas. ADBA, the REA and industry colleagues have been pushing hard for […]
Bee project highlights nectar supply gap
Initial findings from its five-year Bee Project (see panel below) suggest that while many farms are doing a lot to encourage bees and other pollinator insects through stewardship schemes, much of the emphasis is on mid-season pollen and nectar production, resulting in comparatively low food supply for such insects in early spring and autumn. March […]
New Forest trees count the cost of months of storms
Exceptionally wet and windy weather has seen New Forest tree experts inundated with enquiries about damaged and fallen trees. The New Forest National Park Authority’s Senior Tree Officer Bryan Wilson says that in his 25 years of caring for New Forest trees, he and his team has never had to issue so many notices for […]
Tax helpline launched to support people affected by flooding
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has today launched a new telephone helpline for anyone affected by the recent floods. The helpline will enable anyone affected to get fast, practical help and advice on a wide range of tax problems they may be facing. HMRC will also: agree instalment arrangements where taxpayers are unable to pay […]
India: first country to announce a national agroforestry policy
India announced a US30–40 million investment in its first-ever national agroforestry policy designed to put more trees back on farms to benefit the people and the environment. The announcement was made my Rita Sharma, India’s Secretary of the National Advisory Council that helped develop the policy. She was speaking this week at the World Congress […]
IAgrE calls for renewed focus into soil and water drainage
Commenting on the recent appalling weather and devastation to farmlands Alastair Taylor IAgrE CEO said: “The current extreme weather is definitely bringing into emphasis how the nation has neglected land drainage and flood mitigation work. This brings into focus the role of agricultural engineers, specialising in soil and water engineering, in preventing, or at least […]
