Solar still has the power to shine
But only if the government takes the heat off FiTs, agricultural energy specialist tells energy ministers Bowler Energy, the leading provider of renewable energy solutions to the agricultural sector, is lobbying government ministers to think again about proposed changes to guaranteed payments for Solar Energy production (the feed-in tariff (FiT) payments), warning any […]
No time for blame game as all sides seek to boost farmland bird numbers
Environmental schemes need to be more focused on outcomes and less a case on simply ticking boxes in order to bring about the improvements in wildlife that everyone is trying to achieve. That was the challenge thrown down to delegates by Defra Minister of State, James Paice at a Farmland Birds and Sustainable […]
South West farmers urged to improve slurry storage as NVZ deadline looms
Farmers in the South West are being reminded that time is running out if they need to enlarge their slurry storage to become compliant in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). With less than six weeks left to comply with the January 1, 2012 deadline for new regulations, farmers are being told: ‘it’s not too […]
Field of experts come together at pioneering event to tackle the future of food and farming in the UK
New research will show how carbon emissions can be significantly reduced by farmers and how a ground-breaking agricultural project could lessen heart disease A powerful network of scientists, farmers, industrialists, policymakers, and retailers, including Waitrose, will gather today to address major issues concerning the food supply chain. Their aim is to help farmers and food […]
Research into bumblebee foraging distance offers conservation potential
Researchers are closer to understanding how the foraging distances of wild bumblebees vary across landscapes. The findings, published recently in the scientific journal Oikos, are potentially important for landscape managers looking to conserve bumblebee populations and enhance pollination services for crops and biodiversity. Evidence suggests that many bumblebees have declined across Europe and […]
CAT statement on proposed changes to Feed in Tariff
The Centre for Alternative Technology expressed concern at government proposals to cut Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) in half. The new reduced rate of 21p/ kWh will affect all photovoltaic installations below 4kW after 12th December 2011. At the current FiT rate of 43.3p/kWh, an average 2.9kW system will generate an estimated 1,190 a year. […]
Compost control can play a role!
At a time when the weekly bin collection is being debated, CIWEM believes composting is one option not to be overlooked. Composting plays a key role in helping local authorities and businesses to achieve targets to increase recovery rates and divert waste from landfill. In its new policy position statement, CIWEM calls for […]
Urban tree disease found in England
A deadly plant disease previously unknown in England has been found in Devon killing Lawson Cypress trees that are commonly found in parks and gardens. Forestry Commission scientists have confirmed that Phytophthora lateralis, a fungus-like pathogen that kills trees’ roots, has infected several trees in a shelter hedge on an industrial estate. The disease is […]
Tariffs up for farm-scale AD but clouds loom again over solar, says NFU
Progress could now be made on some on-farm AD projects following an announcement by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on the promised uplift to small-scale biogas tariffs, which resulted from the 2011 ‘fast-track’ Feed-In Tariffs review, the NFU said today. These should have been implemented on August 1, however, the increase was […]
