INTENTIONS to develop a biodiesel plant in the Liverpool area have been welcomed by the NFU.
The plans were confirmed after Greenergy Fuels (the market leader in biofuels) announced that Cargill (a leading international food and agriculture company) had taken a 25 per cent shareholding in its subsidiary Greenergy Biofuels Ltd.
Growers in Lancashire and Cheshire now have a gold platted opportunity to lead their industry into a biofuel revolution says new NFU North West Combinable Crops Board Chairman Richard Reeves.
Mr Reeves, who farms at Tattondale Farm in Knutford, said: "These developments are extremely good news for growers as it might not impact on prices immediately but it will take excess off the market that would otherwise have to be exported.
"There are bound to be more opportunities for us as North West growers as we are local to the producing facilities and are desirable to use because we can produce for the market and help keep down haulage costs of Greenergy Biofuels Ltd."
The development is subject to the conclusion of feasibility and business case studies and Cargill's existing crush facilities in the port of Liverpool are a key factor in this potential investment. Rapeseed is crushed for its conversion into oil for biodiesel production.
Tesco also has a stake in Greenergy Biofuels Ltd and now offers biofuel blends at over 40 per cent of its petrol stations.
A spokesperson for Tesco said planning new plants such as the one in Liverpool should show Tesco's commitment not only to helping their customers become more environmentally responsible but also to British farming.
Mr Reeves added: "Biofuel could be a real saviour for the North West's growing industry so this really is an exciting venture and one the NFU will be looking to get involved with."
