The business case for on-farm energy such as anaerobic digestion and agri-tech has been highlighted ahead of the Autumn Budget.
In advance of the Autumn Budget on 22 November, the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) has sent its top policy asks to the government.
As the Tory's look ahead to the publication of their Industrial Strategy White Paper, ADBA has highlighted its business case for the proposed agri-tech and bioeconomy sector deals.
It comes as news that a report highlighted how 'smart farming' and technological advances can be embraced in order to support the growing human population.
ADBA believes an agri-tech sector deal should be established with anaerobic digestion (AD) having a central role.
The association says that AD has a "critical role" to play in improving UK soil quality, biodiversity and supporting the rural economy.
Other benefits listed include decarbonising agriculture and improving the UK's domestic food security through more productive soils.
Growth of AD
The UK AD industry has grown by more than 350% over the last ten years and the UK has established itself as a world leader in biogas, with UK companies exporting biogas-related expertise and equipment.
The global biogas industry has the potential to be worth £1 trillion, ADBA notes.
Indeed, the total number of AD plants in live operation has risen from 424 a year ago to 540 today, and has reduced UK greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1% annually.
AD plants across the UK now have enough capacity to power over a million homes, a report has said
'Help farmers diversify'
Commenting, ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said AD "fits perfectly" into the government’s plans for a cleaner and greener economy, most recently shown in the publication of the Clean Growth Strategy.
“What we are saying to the Treasury is that with targeted support, AD can help farmers diversify their operations, contribute to the health of our soils, and boost our exports of innovative expertise and technologies,” Ms Morton explained.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, has announced that the government will publish its Autumn Budget on Wednesday 22 November.
The Autumn Budget sets out the government’s plans for the economy based on the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
