The independent chair of a new unit which is examining financial hardship caused by cuts to Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariffs has written to scheme participants.

London-based energy consultant Andrew Buglass has asked RHI claimants to provide information on how cuts to tariffs have impacted their business.

“Any submission which you choose to make to me will be treated in the strictest confidence – no official of DfE will have access to the information supplied,” the letter reads.

His review will be used by DfE to examine if additional support is needed for RHI claimants.

Andrew Trimble from the Renewable Heat Association for NI (RHANI) is strongly encouraging his members to engage with Buglass.

He also recommends that scheme participants write to Department for Economy permanent secretary Noel Lavery to state how tariffs cuts have changed their usage of renewable heat.

Farmers should boycott Tesco - FFA

NI farmers and their families should stop shopping in Tesco until the retailer drops a controversial advert for vegan sausages, William Taylor of Farmers For Action (FFA) has advised.

In particular, he has taken issue with Tesco advocating veganism to children and teenagers and portraying it as a healthy alternative to meat-based diets.

Profit

The FFA leader in NI said that Tesco has no right to jeopardise children and teenagers’ health by pushing veganism on them purely for profit.

Guest auctioneer for Suffolk sale

Lanark-based auctioneers Lawrie & Symington are conducting a sale of pedigree Suffolk female sheep on the farm of Stephen Sufferin on Saturday 2 November.

The sale includes 93 in-lamb ewes and 16 ewe lambs from local pedigree flocks including Burnview and Crewelands.

Guest

Pennsylvania based Suffolk breeder Bill McCauley will also be present at the sale and will guest auction two of the lots.

The sale takes place at 36 Crew Road, Maghera from 1pm.

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