The CLA says the Government is ignoring the industry’s advice on biogas

The CLA said that Defra’s and the Environment Agency’s draft regulation on anaerobic digestors would deter farmers from installing them.

The rural economy experts say the stipulated size of slurry tank linked to the anaerobic digestor installation is too small and would force farmers to apply for full permits, costing thousands of pounds.

CLA President William Worsley said that by restricting the size to 1,250 cubic metres the Government has ignored the advice from the whole industry.

He added: "Defra and the Environment Agency have ignored the responses to the consultation on red tape with regard to farm-based anaerobic digestors.

"We said the size of plant that doesn’t need a full permit costing thousands should be 3,000 cubic metres.

"They have made the size in the draft regulation 1,250 cubic metres, which is wholly uneconomic and means almost every biogas plant installation will need a permit. It will be a major disincentive to recycling and renewable energy."

Mr Worsley said the CLA would be making it clear to Government that farms have existing slurry tanks much bigger than 1,250 cubic metres.

He added: "It is ridiculous to say people will require a permit to put a lid on those tanks to stop methane leaking out. What is the point of holding consultations if Government ignores the advice they are given."