Feasibility study looking into the opportunities available through controlled environment agriculture integrated with anaerobic digestion outputs.
Lead Participant:
D A PLATT
Abstract
This project will investigate the feasibility of a hybrid farming system that combines controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) technology with the outputs from an on farm anaerobic digestion (AD) facility to create additional income streams, reduce the environmental impact of traditional farming practices and ensure a financially viable farming business for the next generation.
Traditional agriculture in the UK is struggling to feed the nation due to the changes in weather conditions, climate change, increasing population, and lower soil fertility. Additionally, Brexit and workforce shortages are putting increased pressure on farmers and the agricultural sector in the UK. To preserve natural habitats and improve UK food security there is a need for a complete overhaul of food production methods. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) can offer the solution to traditional UK agriculture by reducing the resource input required to grow food and removing the need for some harmful substances typically associated with traditional farming.
The project will investigate the feasibility of a hybrid farming system that combines CEA technology with the outputs from an onsite anaerobic digestion (AD) facility and possibly other renewable efficiencies whilst maintaining traditional arable/livestock farming practices. This creates a circular approach that offers a closed-loop system in which resources are not wasted and have added value. If D A Platt and other farmers and growers are to remain viable farm businesses for the next generation, they must adapt and encourage diversification. There are 382 agricultural ADs throughout the UK currently, all of which also could, and are, using their outputs to diversify into a commercial product. As there are currently no government incentives to build new ADs this also raises the same answer, that if new biogas plants are to be built then they need to utilise all outputs, which this feasibility study would help provide.
Traditional agriculture in the UK is struggling to feed the nation due to the changes in weather conditions, climate change, increasing population, and lower soil fertility. Additionally, Brexit and workforce shortages are putting increased pressure on farmers and the agricultural sector in the UK. To preserve natural habitats and improve UK food security there is a need for a complete overhaul of food production methods. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) can offer the solution to traditional UK agriculture by reducing the resource input required to grow food and removing the need for some harmful substances typically associated with traditional farming.
The project will investigate the feasibility of a hybrid farming system that combines CEA technology with the outputs from an onsite anaerobic digestion (AD) facility and possibly other renewable efficiencies whilst maintaining traditional arable/livestock farming practices. This creates a circular approach that offers a closed-loop system in which resources are not wasted and have added value. If D A Platt and other farmers and growers are to remain viable farm businesses for the next generation, they must adapt and encourage diversification. There are 382 agricultural ADs throughout the UK currently, all of which also could, and are, using their outputs to diversify into a commercial product. As there are currently no government incentives to build new ADs this also raises the same answer, that if new biogas plants are to be built then they need to utilise all outputs, which this feasibility study would help provide.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| D A PLATT | £23,056 | £ 16,139 |
Participant |
||
| ROUND TOWER CONSULTING LIMITED | ||
| THE BIORENEWABLES DEVELOPMENT CENTRE LIMITED | £32,713 | £ 32,713 |
| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Sarah Platt (Project Manager) |