Running Bioenergy Events

In 2010 – as part of our communications programme – we ran a series of training days, focusing on the technical aspects of growing the energy crops Miscanthus and SRC Willow, and using farm residues in anaerobic digestion.

Working on behalf of DECC, we organised a programme of eight regional energy crop training days, which attracted some 300 delegates, including landowners and farmers.

Each event was free and examined a wide range of issues relating to energy crop production, including agronomy, market development and end-use.

The training days were extremely well received, with over 98% of those who answered our feedback questionnaire describing the training days as good or very good. The events also highlighted a growing interest in bioenergy, with 85% of respondents saying their future plans included growing energy crops.

The NNFCC also worked alongside the Renewable Energy Association, Country Land & Business Association, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, The British Institute of Agricultural Consultants and Waste & Resources Action Programme to run three regional anaerobic digestion workshops for farmers, local authorities, waste handlers and waste generators interested in AD.

The workshops sought to address the challenges facing the development of the sector, while providing a network for communication between members of the supply chain. Over 150 delegates attended, with 93% of respondents to our feedback questionnaire describing the events as good or very good.

The AD events were funded by the East of England Development Agency and the South East England Development Agency.