Biomass Connect at the RWAS Winter Show
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair proved to be a success for the Biomass Connect Team, who spent two busy days engaging with visitors intrigued by the diverse display of biomass grasses and trees showcased as part of the project. The exhibit, which highlighted the potential of biomass crops for agricultural, environmental and a range of other benefits, sparked conversations about where and how these crops could be planted and used as part of their farming enterprises.
Interest in Growing and Using Biomass Crops
Visitors were curious about the marketing and practical applications of these crops with discussions focusing on the financial and logistical aspects of integrating these crops into their farming systems.
Attendees shared their personal experiences with biomass boilers, voicing concerns about the costs and provenance of chips and pellets. The team addressed these issues by guiding visitors toward resources on self-supply options and exploring alternative biomass species suitable for their needs.
Welsh farmers expressed a strong interest in Miscanthus, a versatile biomass crop that could offer a sustainable, homegrown solution for livestock bedding, by reducing reliance on purchased straw, Miscanthus provides both cost and environmental benefits. The Biomass Connect team discussed the crops agronomy, emphasising the importance of land selection and adherence to best practices for establishment. The reassurance that Miscanthus can be harvested using existing grassland machinery was appreciated by farmers along with insights into success stories from those who have cultivated, sold or used these crops effectively.
Government Grants and Diversification Opportunities
Another highlight of the discussions was the Welsh Government’s initiatives to support farm diversification which includes growing plants for energy and fibre.
A Positive Outlook for Biomass in Wales
Overall, the fair provided an invaluable platform for knowledge-sharing and networking. Farmers left with insights into integrating biomass crops into their operations and information on opportunities for government grants for sustainable diversification.
The event highlighted the growing enthusiasm in Wales for biomass crops as a means to bolster farm resilience and environmental sustainability in our targets for Net Zero.
