As another National Ploughing Championship approaches, it once again offers a great opportunity to engage with technology suppliers, scheme administrators and policymakers about how renewables can work for you. Exhibitors’ spaces are filled up and energy sustainability, along with renewable systems, are set to be strong themes again this year.
What may set this year apart is that many in the livestock sector are performing well, with some farmers considering investments while cash flow is healthy. Ultimately, any farm investment must pay for itself, and renewables, whether through savings or generating income, have the potential to do just that.
While key renewable policies are now either established or at least published, many details remain in play. Indeed, some aspects of the current schemes still need refinement. The Ploughing is an ideal opportunity to propose improvements that make these schemes more practical for farmers, keeping farmers’ interests at heart, while also exploring the latest technologies. If you want your voice heard, the Ploughing is the perfect opportunity to make it happen. Here are a few key talking points for this year’s event.
Planning exemptions
A consultation is underway to reform planning exemption rules. While this is led by the Department of Housing and it is unclear if they will attend the Ploughing, the Department of Agriculture will be present, making it a good opportunity to discuss the policy’s impact on farmers.
Sourcing feedstock has begun for new AD plants currently in development.
The consultation seeks views on whether the current exemption conditions for biomass boiler units should be reviewed in terms of size and location, whether the placement and size of anaerobic digestion (AD) units should be reconsidered, and whether the current 20m height limit for wind turbines under Class 18 should be revised to better support self-generation of power.
Sourcing feedstock has begun for new AD plants currently in development. This is largely uncharted territory and any long-term contracts will require thorough legal scrutiny. AD developers are set to attend the event, giving farmers the opportunity to register their interest in supplying slurry, manure and crops to AD plants or in receiving digestate in return. It is essential that farmers fully understand all aspects of these agreements, including contracts, pricing models, requirements and clauses, before committing.
If you are interested in the emerging AD sector, it is a good time to talk to developers about this.
TAMS
While the TAMS budget may be under pressure, there is still scope to include more items that could be useful to farmers. The Department of Agriculture has been receptive and adaptive in adding new items to the TAMS list in the past.
We would like to see TAMS grant aid extended to wind turbines, particularly given the likely upcoming changes to wind turbine planning rules and its eligibility under the new Small Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. While we are here, hydroelectric turbines should also be added, although planning permission will be required for them.
We could also potentially see individual components of AD plants grant-aided separately, as is the case in other countries.
For example, mixers, biogas upgraders, and CHP units could all fall under TAMS for on-farm investment. Most importantly, pressure must be applied to maintain the TAMS budget for the next CAP year and even to increase it.
Solar farm tax planning
Utility solar is still booming, and more land is set to go under panels. While the rental agreements can be attractive, it is important to be fully aware of the taxation implications, especially where succession is involved.
Any long-term feedstock contracts will require thorough legal scrutiny.
Succession issues go beyond tax, and although there are ways to address them, it will involve legal and accountancy expense. If dealing with a developer, it is worth suggesting that they cover these costs.
With the dairy and livestock sector performing well, this is a good opportunity to speak with suppliers of solar PV and other systems. Solar can be straightforward, but it is important to ask about the company, its history, and the warranties and guarantees offered. You want a supplier who is likely to remain in business for the lifetime of the panels, so choose carefully.
Farm organisations
The Ploughing is a great opportunity to talk to the farm organisations that represent you and to learn what they are doing to promote your interests. The renewables industry has moved quickly, but policies still require considerable fine-tuning to benefit farmers.
As certain sectors develop, such as AD, farmers will need strong representation to ensure fair treatment and balanced negotiations with developers. Organisations should have dedicated members to help with this.
Home improvements
The consumer element of the Ploughing is just as important as the agricultural side of the event. There will be a range of technical suppliers offering SEAI grant-aided home energy upgrades such as heat pumps, insulation and heating controls, as well as companies providing retrofit solutions for homes.
Grants of up to €70,000 are still available through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which has seen strong uptake so far.
With housing options for younger generations likely to remain challenging in the coming years, purchasing and renovating vacant properties has become an increasingly attractive option.
The main banks operating in Ireland will be in attendance at the event, making it worthwhile to speak with them about the green finance options available.
The new Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is now open, and if you are considering any improvements or works to your home or a vacant property, it offers competitive financing.
As always, it is worth asking about the bank’s outlook on agriculture and lending in the context of changing environmental regulations.
As another National Ploughing Championship approaches, it once again offers a great opportunity to engage with technology suppliers, scheme administrators and policymakers about how renewables can work for you. Exhibitors’ spaces are filled up and energy sustainability, along with renewable systems, are set to be strong themes again this year.
What may set this year apart is that many in the livestock sector are performing well, with some farmers considering investments while cash flow is healthy. Ultimately, any farm investment must pay for itself, and renewables, whether through savings or generating income, have the potential to do just that.
While key renewable policies are now either established or at least published, many details remain in play. Indeed, some aspects of the current schemes still need refinement. The Ploughing is an ideal opportunity to propose improvements that make these schemes more practical for farmers, keeping farmers’ interests at heart, while also exploring the latest technologies. If you want your voice heard, the Ploughing is the perfect opportunity to make it happen. Here are a few key talking points for this year’s event.
Planning exemptions
A consultation is underway to reform planning exemption rules. While this is led by the Department of Housing and it is unclear if they will attend the Ploughing, the Department of Agriculture will be present, making it a good opportunity to discuss the policy’s impact on farmers.
Sourcing feedstock has begun for new AD plants currently in development.
The consultation seeks views on whether the current exemption conditions for biomass boiler units should be reviewed in terms of size and location, whether the placement and size of anaerobic digestion (AD) units should be reconsidered, and whether the current 20m height limit for wind turbines under Class 18 should be revised to better support self-generation of power.
Sourcing feedstock has begun for new AD plants currently in development. This is largely uncharted territory and any long-term contracts will require thorough legal scrutiny. AD developers are set to attend the event, giving farmers the opportunity to register their interest in supplying slurry, manure and crops to AD plants or in receiving digestate in return. It is essential that farmers fully understand all aspects of these agreements, including contracts, pricing models, requirements and clauses, before committing.
If you are interested in the emerging AD sector, it is a good time to talk to developers about this.
TAMS
While the TAMS budget may be under pressure, there is still scope to include more items that could be useful to farmers. The Department of Agriculture has been receptive and adaptive in adding new items to the TAMS list in the past.
We would like to see TAMS grant aid extended to wind turbines, particularly given the likely upcoming changes to wind turbine planning rules and its eligibility under the new Small Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. While we are here, hydroelectric turbines should also be added, although planning permission will be required for them.
We could also potentially see individual components of AD plants grant-aided separately, as is the case in other countries.
For example, mixers, biogas upgraders, and CHP units could all fall under TAMS for on-farm investment. Most importantly, pressure must be applied to maintain the TAMS budget for the next CAP year and even to increase it.
Solar farm tax planning
Utility solar is still booming, and more land is set to go under panels. While the rental agreements can be attractive, it is important to be fully aware of the taxation implications, especially where succession is involved.
Any long-term feedstock contracts will require thorough legal scrutiny.
Succession issues go beyond tax, and although there are ways to address them, it will involve legal and accountancy expense. If dealing with a developer, it is worth suggesting that they cover these costs.
With the dairy and livestock sector performing well, this is a good opportunity to speak with suppliers of solar PV and other systems. Solar can be straightforward, but it is important to ask about the company, its history, and the warranties and guarantees offered. You want a supplier who is likely to remain in business for the lifetime of the panels, so choose carefully.
Farm organisations
The Ploughing is a great opportunity to talk to the farm organisations that represent you and to learn what they are doing to promote your interests. The renewables industry has moved quickly, but policies still require considerable fine-tuning to benefit farmers.
As certain sectors develop, such as AD, farmers will need strong representation to ensure fair treatment and balanced negotiations with developers. Organisations should have dedicated members to help with this.
Home improvements
The consumer element of the Ploughing is just as important as the agricultural side of the event. There will be a range of technical suppliers offering SEAI grant-aided home energy upgrades such as heat pumps, insulation and heating controls, as well as companies providing retrofit solutions for homes.
Grants of up to €70,000 are still available through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which has seen strong uptake so far.
With housing options for younger generations likely to remain challenging in the coming years, purchasing and renovating vacant properties has become an increasingly attractive option.
The main banks operating in Ireland will be in attendance at the event, making it worthwhile to speak with them about the green finance options available.
The new Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is now open, and if you are considering any improvements or works to your home or a vacant property, it offers competitive financing.
As always, it is worth asking about the bank’s outlook on agriculture and lending in the context of changing environmental regulations.
SHARING OPTIONS