According to Juniper if anaerobic digestion reached its potential, the nutrients from food waste alone would be worth over £200m.

“Anaerobic digestion is a closed loop technology and is a crucial cog in the mechanism of a sustainable society,” he maintained.

“When integrated with farming businesses, anaerobic digestion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the overall carbon footprint of food production, including through sustainable soil and nutrient management,” Juniper pointed out.

Speaking ahead of the Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Association (ADBA) conference next month where he will be chairing a session on the circular economy, Juniper called for more government support to ensure greater uptake of the technology.

He said that the Government “needs to wake up” in this regard and introduce more effective policy measures.

“At present this industry is incentivised only in relation to what it delivers in terms of energy generation. While this is welcome, it recognises only one aspect of the benefits the technology brings. More should be done to help realise the benefits it also delivers in supporting climate smart farming.”

Maxine Perella

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