SAVED: PAGE: ACTIVE AREA:

Union Continues to Work on Fuel Issues

NFUS staff and officeholders continue to work with farmers and stakeholders to find solution to biofuel situation

The Union has now taken more than 400 calls from individuals who are experiencing fuel issues with their tractors and agricultural vehicles.

These reports are invaluable to the staff dealing with the issue as it is providing the evidence base for the continued lobbying being conducted by the Union.


The Union has continued to work closely with Petroineos, the only crude oil refinery in Scotland, as well as stepping up its engagement with Transport Scotland and the Department for Transport in order to address the serious issues being experienced across the country.

NFU Scotland sees the welcome decision by Petroineos to reduce biofuel content as being a short-term solution to be complemented by the creation of an expert working group set up in order to put long-term measures in place to prevent this issue from reoccurring.

An immediate priority to address is the problem that many farmers have fuel in storage on farm associated with breakdowns, and NFU Scotland is working hard to get commitment from stakeholders to support farmers in the recovery of this fuel.

In the meantime, NFU Scotland is advising those affected to contact the Union with their issues and to keep all receipts for both fuel and for related mechanical work, repairs and replacements.   If members would like to play an active part in the lobbying process, then the Union is encouraging them to write to their constituency MSP on this issue with its pro forma letter.

NFU Scotland’s President Andrew McCornick said: “The Union is continuing to dedicate substantial time and resource to this problem.

“The actions taken by Petroineos last week were welcomed, but our farmers are now left with problematic fuel they may not be able to use which is stored on farm.  In some cases, farmers will have taken delivery of enough fuel to last all winter.

“We are looking at potential solutions to assisting with this and hope to have more information on this shortly.

“In the meantime, I would ask members to help NFUS in its efforts by making contact with their constituency MSP’s to highlight what we are seeking and ask them to apply additional pressure.”

Notes to Editor

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006

Author: Bob Carruth

Date Published:

News Article No.: 171/19


< Article List

Close

Report Abusive Comment

Comment Content:

Why it offends me (optional):



Have Your Say

No-one has commented on this article yet. Be the first to have your say...

New Comment

Share

Total Pages:
Total Results:
Page Start:
Page Result #:

About The Author

Bob Carruth

A dairy farmer’s son, I joined NFU Scotland in 1999 after 13 years as an agricultural journalist. Following spells as a regional manager and policy lead on milk, livestock and animal health and welfare, I became Communications Director in 2008.

Quick Contact

 
 
Which Region do you live in?  
Are you a member of NFU Scotland?  
 
 

This form collects and sends the information supplied to NFU Scotland. You can read our privacy policy for full details on how we protect and manage your data.
  I consent to having NFU Scotland collect the above details.

Registred Address

NFU Scotland
Head Office
Rural Centre - West Mains
Ingliston, Midlothian
EH28 8LT

Place of registration: Scotland

Company Registration Number: SC214564

Tel: 0131 472 4000
Email: info@nfus.org.uk

NFU Mutual Logo

Get the App

NFUS App QR Code

©NFU Scotland • All Rights Reserved • Web design by Big Red DigitalLog in

Close

Contact Us

 

 

 

No Robots:

This form collects and sends the information supplied to NFU Scotland. You can read our privacy policy for full details on how we protect and manage your data.
  I consent to having NFU Scotland collect the above details.