FARMERS HAVE pointed out ahead of the G8 summit that they are capable of making a significant contribution to tackling climate change.

 

The message follows comments from Prime Minister Tony Blair about there being “a desire to tackle the challenges of climate change, of energy security and energy supply”.

 

Tim Bennett, NFU president, said: “Climate change is one of the major issues facing Britain’s farmers and I applaud the decision to put it at the centre of discussions at the G8 summit.

 

“Farmers in the UK have the potential to deliver significant environmental outcomes on a regular basis and on a large scale.”

 

But he added: “UK farmers already have the capability but are waiting for a committed, long-term policy to promote the development of a domestic biofeul industry.”

 

Mr Bennett said the government has committed itself to making sure the G8 summit was a carbon-neutral event.

 

It has said it will do this through African-based sustainable development projects.

 

But he added: “Domestically much more can be done. Just 1300 ha of UK-grown wheat could deliver the same outcomes, but government policies need to be put in place to focus that resource.

 

“Encouragement is needed to promote investment in biofuel refineries.”

 

The NFU is not alone in trying to get more support for the British biofuel industry.

Country Land and Business Association has recently launched a specially-designed postcard which it wants farmers and growers to send to their local MP.

The postcard aims to stop the current situation where oilseed rape and cereals are exported for processing and then imported as vehicle fuel.