Pig Farm Receives Grant To Reduce GHG Emissions - UK
A Scottish pig farm has received a grant to turn manure into electricity as part of a new government scheme to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farming. Ruchlaw Produce Company of Dunbar has secured a grant of £560,308 from Rural Priorities – part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme – to convert waste from its pig farming operation into electricity. This funding represents 36 per cent of the overall cost and the electricity will be used to power the operation and halve the smell associated with the pig farm. The business, which employs 45 people will also be using an anaerobic digester to convert pig slurry into methane and carbon dioxide. The methane will then be pumped into a biogas plant to generate electricity and hot water for heating systems throughout the plant.This is an example of a scheme set up as part of a new action plan to help cut GHG emissions from across the agricultural sector, which was launched by the Scottish Government on 21 September.
The five-point plan will help farmers increase productivity and tackle climate change.
Farming for a Better Climate (FBC) is funded by the Scottish Government and a dedicated web site [click here], hosted by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), will offer advice on cost-effective ways to benefit business and the environment.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said: "Our farmers can lead the fight against climate change and not only help our environment but help their businesses at the same time. By adopting these five simple steps, farming will become part of the solution to climate change.
"Their dependency on the environment puts farmers on the front line and if expected changes to weather patterns are not considered now it could spell disaster for the industry in future.
"Scotland has some of the most ambitious climate change legislation in the world and there has already been a great deal of innovation within the farming sector. I am confident that these practical cost-effective measures will be welcomed.
"Farmers getting involved will not only help agriculture thrive they will be creating a healthier climate – a win-win situation for us all."
Graham Kerr, who leads SAC's Farming for a Better Climate programme, said: "We are delighted to support the Scottish Government in this initiative. This is an issue that challenges us all and land managers can play their part in reducing carbon emissions. Through this programme all parts of SAC are committed to helping both industry and policy makers. We hope to increase their knowledge of climate change and the practical steps that can be taken to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to Scotland's changing climate.
