North's farmers must enbrace green energy, says Gildernew

The North's farming industry needs to press ahead with efforts to develop renewable energy, the Agriculture Minister said today.

Michelle Gildernew today announced a forum to consider the growth of green technology.

A final report and recommendations are expected by June.

Ms Gildernew said: “The adoption of renewable energy technologies within the agricultural sector is clearly an area which requires further development and this forum will help us establish key objectives, targets and timeframes.”

Biomass expert Pearse Buckley is chairing the Agricultural Stakeholder Forum on Renewable Energy. Biomass involves using plant-based material for energy.

The minister said the forum was charged with reviewing and updating the renewable energy plan.

“The forum’s report will focus on key opportunities, supply chain issues, innovation and technology transfer, market development, sustainability, capability development and potential delivery agents,” she added.

Led by Mr Buckley, biomass project manager of Sustainable Energy Ireland, the panel is made up of six senior industry representatives and three observers representing the Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Enterprise, Trade and Investment.