UK farmers are far behind their European counterparts in their plans to adopt bioenergy sources, according to a major survey.
Concerns over fixed costs and lack of experience had left may UK farmers wary of adopting bioenergy schemes, the German Agricultural Society’s (DLG) survey found.
Of the 3000 farmers questioned across six European countries, UK farmers showed the lowest activity in most bioenergy sources, with just 1% having an operational bioenergy plant.
Wind energy was the most popular source of renewable energy, with 12% considering it as an energy source.
The survey revealed German farmers were furthest ahead in Europe in all areas of bioenergy. Helped by government schemes, 14% were already operating or planning a biogas plant.
France showed positive plans to invest in bioenergy, with 35% of farmers planning or already using biodeisel, 10% planning to use wind energy and 7% planning biogas plants.