Responding to an Ofcom consultation on Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), NFUS has strongly defended the right of on-farm grain dryers to remain part of the scheme.

RHI was introduced to incentivise the installation of renewable heating systems, helping to bridge the gap between the cost of such systems and conventional alternatives.  

As a result, many forward-thinking farmers in Scotland have invested in non-conventional drying systems, often to replace old diesel grain dryers. These are usually eco-friendly biomass or wood-fired units and generate substantial environmental benefits over old fuel-burning models.

In its submission on the need for on-farm drying to remain eligible for RHI, the Union points out that, as farmers are paid on weight for their grain, there is little incentive for abuse and any over-drying would lead to lighter weights and less revenue for their crops.  Farmers only dry if necessary but during this year’s harvest, with grain sometimes being cut at more than 30% moisture content, efficient drying through RHI-supported dryers was vital.

Policy Manager Gemma Cooper said; “Many farmers have invested heavily in drying systems based on the RHI, which the Government put in place to bridge the gap between costlier renewable heating systems, and conventional alternatives.  Such investments have been made because grain drying was listed as an ‘eligible use’ for RHI, and would have been unlikely to have occurred without it.

“RHI has allowed farmers to change to more eco-friendly drying systems, with huge savings in terms of gas or oil used and carbon dioxide emissions. Drying as an eligible heat use is something which the Government must retain”.

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006