A KENT FARMER has received funding to investigate how farmers can collaborate to produce biodiesel from oilseed rape.

The South East England Development Agency has awarded £20,000 to Andrew Martin of Romney Marsh Farms, Burmarsh to carry out the project.

“At the moment we do not know enough about the practicalities of establishing an on-farm facility for the conversion of oilseed rape into fuel,” Mr Martin said.

“My project is designed to explore both the economics and bureaucratic barriers.”

The Farming and Rural Issues Group was involved with developing the project and hopes Mr Martin‘s findings will provide useful information on the viability of biofuel production in the southeast.

“We will have some information of real relevance for DEFRA ministers about the potential role of agriculture as a supplier of renewable energy,” said FRIG chairman, Shaun Leavey.

The project is expected to end around this time next year.

For more on biodiesel and other alternative crops, visit the non-food crops section on FWi.