Government working to accelerate on-farm AD deployment, say minister

The then Minister of State at Defra responsible for food security, including farmers, Daniel Zeichner* on Thursday 4 September said the government was committed to supporting the adoption of on-farm AD.  

The minister made the statement in response to a question from former PM Rishi Sunak. Referring to a recent visit he made to the Dinsdale family dairy farm – suppliers to the Wensleydale creamery, makers of Yorkshire’s famous cheese, Mr Sunak said,

“I know the Minister will join me in commending their contribution to British food security and the Dinsdale family for their innovative installation of an anaerobic digestion unit, which turns slurry into energy. Could he look at what more can be done to encourage small-scale on-farm AD units, which not only significantly cut methane emissions but significantly cut costs and increase income for our hard-working family farmers?” 

In response Minister Zeichner said Mr Sunak was ‘absolutely right’. He continued,

“I join him in commending the Dinsdale family for the work they do. I have spoken to a number of farmers who would very much like to do that. Of course, there is significant cost involved, and we are working with farmers to try to get the circular economy that we all want to see.” 

ADBA welcomes the government’s commitment and will be working with Defra to create the enabling environment for on-farm AD. 

Daniel Zeichner MP responds to a question from Rishi Sunak MP on the government’s support for on-farm AD during a parliamentary session. Credit: Biolectric

*Both Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed and Daniel Zeichner have been replaced in the ministerial reshuffle sparked by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner’s resignation. Emma Reynolds MP becomes Secretary of State at Defra, while Angela Eagle MP replaces Daniel Zeichner, with the scope of her brief yet to be defined.