Is bio-energy expansion harmful to wildlife?

Indicator Species the Skylark

The Helmholtz Centre for the Environmental Research in Leipzig has developed a way to study the effects of increased energy crop cultivation on farmland bird populations. “The Skylark is an indicator species for agricultural areas because it occupies many habitats of the wider countryside around the globe, breeds on the ground within fields and feeds mostly on insects” notes lead researcher, Jan Engel. “Improving the habitat suitability for Skylark, accordingly, would improve conservation of natural vegetation, insects, and other ground breeding farmland bird species.” Read more ...

Australia agriculture sector looks to clean energy future

More than 500 applications received from universities, land managers, industry and government agencies for Gillard Government funding to test and develop new ways for farmers to reduce carbon emissions. “The Action on the Ground and Filling the Research Gap programs provide funding for research into on-farm practices and new technologies,” Minister Ludwig said. “The level of interest in these programs shows how keen the agriculture sector is to benefit from the opportunities in the land sector to cut carbon pollution. Read more ...

Farmgen rolls out expansion plan across the UK

An energy farming company is in talks with farmers across the UK as its UK£30 million (US$47.5 million) nationwide expansion program picks up progress. Farmgen has already put plans in place to develop more anaerobic digestion plants in Cumbria on stream later this year. In December Farmgen hosted a consultation day at Moss House Farm in St Michael’s on Wyre, to discuss plans with local residents to create a UK£4million (US$6.33 million) ‘energy farming’ power plant.



The Blackpool-based company already has one flagship plant up and running in Lancashire, with more in the pipeline for the county and across the UK. Farmgen’s inaugural AD operation at Warton was officially switched on in 2011 and is now generating 800kW of electricity the equivalent of powering more than 1,000 homes. Read more ...

Plant nourishing gene discovered

Scientist at the University of Warwick have discovered a 'nourishing gene' that controls the transfer of nutrients from plant to seed. This discovery is a significant step in understanding the development of seeds from the mother plant. There is also the possibility of better understanding which could help increase global food production.

Dr Jose Gutierrez-Marcos, Associate Professor in the University of Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, said: “These findings have significant implications for global agriculture and food security, as scientists now have the molecular know-how to manipulate this gene by traditional plant breeding or through other methods to improve seed traits, such as increased seed biomass yield. “This understanding of how maize seeds and other cereal grains develop, for example in rice and wheat is vital as the global population relies on these staple products for sustenance." Read more ...

Reduce waste to meet food demand OFC told

Globally over the next 25 to 50 years food production will have to double, to keep up with the growing populations and the growing consumption. However the Chief scientific advisor, Professor Sir Bob Watson told the Oxford Farming Conference He said "there is huge wastage in present food production and there are growing concerns over the excessive use of nitrogen and fertilisers to produce food". "We are not feeding the world sustainably and at the same time one billion people go to bed each day hungry, and that is not acceptable". Read more ...

Australia's government invest AU$2 million in biochar research

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has announced AU$2 million (€1.489 million) in competitive grants for biochar research, under the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative. Biochar is a stable type of char made by burning organic materials, such as wood or crop waste in a low oxygen environment. It can be added to soil to sequester carbon and improve soil health. “Biochar has the potential to help mitigate Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions while benefiting agricultural production,” Minister Ludwig said. Read more ...

Farmer reaps rewards growing energy crops

In 2006 Farmer Chris Bradley decided to move into energy crops, as his land was struggling to grow wheat so he started to grow miscanthus and planted it on a hundred acres of his land. Blow-away sand that wouldn’t grow wheat and struggled to deliver seven tons a hectare of any cereal has produced an average 14 t/ha of miscanthus for the past two years meaning just short of £750/ha from Drax power station for a harvesting and baling cost of about £200 a hectare.

“Our older crops have filled in quite well over the years,” he said. “In fact we’ve seen clumps growing out by a good four inches a year. But the establishment deficiencies remain for all to see in gappy, uneven crops. The key thing we have all learnt is that you have to establish right. You’re putting it in for 20 years, so it’s worth doing the job properly, especially since patching doesn’t really work after the first year. Unless you replant a whole area, the original crop shades out the new plants, leaving you little better off.” Read more ...

Heifer International pilot biogas project in Cameroon

Heifer International, an international integrated animal-agriculture development organisation is to pilot a biogas production project in Cameroon. The project will be run in the South West and Littoral regions due to there being large concentrations of pig farmers there. "Producing biogas using pig manure is quite challenging because you need much of it to supply biogas digesters. It has worked well with poultry and dairy cow manure, and we now want to try pig manure," said the Heifer International Cameroon boss. Read more ...

Canadian government invest in sustainable agriculture technology

Yesterday, Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced an investment of over CAN$900,000 (€648,528) to the Eastern Townships Forest Research Trust to study how agroforestry systems can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. "Our top priority remains the economy, and we recognize the vital role agriculture plays in keeping Canada’s economy strong," said Minister Paradis. "Our government is committed to providing farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to protect the environment while growing their business." Read more ...

Converting grass to energy being promoted by North American companies

A prototype pellet burner for grass

Grass as opposed to wood for converting to energy, many North American companies are promoting this technology with a multitude of economical and environmental reasons the question is why has this not become more prominent in the biomass industry. Innovative feedstock and boiler companies have taken advantage of agricultural resources. Feedstock companies are harvesting various grasses, including Giant King Grass and switchgrass, to manufacture products such as pellets, briquettes and logs. Read more ...