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Renewables Close-up: Producers Invited to Dumfries & Galloway On-Farm Meeting

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N145
Published: 29 Nov 2011

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Farmers in Dumfries & Galloway are invited to see on-farm renewables in action at the latest Farming for a Better Climate (FFBC) meeting, hosted by two local producers, on Tuesday 6 December.

Funded by the Scottish Government and managed by SAC, FFBC has been established to seek and promote practical ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. These measures can not only help farming lessen its carbon footprint but also result in real financial gains for farm businesses.

Ross and Lee Paton’s Torr Farm at Auchencairn, to the west of Dumfries, is one of four FFBC ‘focus farms’ which connect with their local rural community through meetings at Torr to identify and pilot ideas and techniques that are practical, affordable and credible.

For the FFBC renewables meeting on 6 December, Ross and Lee will be taking more of a back seat, joining other local farmers on a visit to Kath and Matthew Aitken at Auchenage, Auldgirth and Farmers Weekly Green Energy Farmer of the Year Neil Gourlay at Auchencheyne, Moniaive. Kath and Neil have installed innovative micro hydro schemes, which generate electricity using small turbines installed in the watercourses on their land.

A range of renewable energy options to help farmers cut energy costs, reduce emissions and generate additional farm income will also be discussed at the event. Joe Fergusson from the Energy Agency will be on hand to provide advice.

Kath Aitken said: “We have already enjoyed very productive FFBC meetings at Torr Farm and are looking forward to hosting part of the latest meeting. We will share our experiences of installing and using our micro hydro system and talking with local farmers about their forthcoming plans for renewables. We are also looking forward to learning more about the innovative measures introduced by Neil Gourlay at Auchencheyne.”

Places are limited so early booking is advised. Please contact Sandra MacRae at SAC Dumfries Office on 01387 261 172 or sandra.macrae@sac.ac.uk to confirm a place by midday on Monday 5 December. Warm/waterproof clothing is advisable.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Mrs Sandra Macrae
Administrator
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Farm Business Services, 1St Floor, Heston House, Crichton Estate,
Dumfries
DG1 4TA
TelWork 01387 261172
Fax 01387 251789

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News Release Issued By

Ms Jane Smernicki
Head of Communications
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4331

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