Farmers show Rugby MP how to convert food waste into energy

The digester converts food waste and maize into energy and bio-fertiliser, providing electricity for the national grid as well as a solution for the millions of tonnes of bio-waste.

The expansion was made possible thanks to a funding package from Yorkshire Bank. The growth of the business into renewable energy represents the growing diversification of the farming industry as well as a great opportunity for J C Channing & Sons, who have owned the 700-acre farm for four generations.

Speaking after the meeting, Mark Pawsey MP said: “I was very interested to be able to learn more about the role anaerobic digestion can play in Britain’s energy mix. The work being done by the Channings represents a way in which the farming community can diversify their businesses and it’s interesting to see the way in which renewable energy can revitalise this industry.

“Using natural resources like maize to produce renewable energy is a great way of not only meeting our renewables obligations, but also to help ensure that we are able to keep the lights on as we move forward. I know that the Government has made progress in this area and I hope to see more micro-generation facilities in the local area.”

Alistair Channing, of J C Channing and Sons, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to show our local MP, Mark Pawsey around and were impressed with his grasp of the Renewables sector. Mark was also very keen on exploring the ease with which we secured funding. He was very interested in hearing ideas about how the sector could be made more viable and we had a fascinating morning.”

Brian Colquhoun, Yorkshire Bank’s Regional Director South added: “We are delighted to be able to support J C Channing and Sons’ with the diversification of their business and to assist the growing ambitions of this thriving family firm.”