IFA launches on-farm renewable energy generation initiative

By Ray Ryan, Agribusiness Correspondent AN INITIATIVE to develop renewable energy generation on farms was launched by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) yesterday. IFA president Padraig Walshe said micro power generation from a range of sources — wind, solar and anaerobic — has the potential to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions and its reliance on imported fossil fuels. In addition, a vibrant micro energy industry will create much-needed jobs and reduce on-farm production costs, he said. Mr Walshe said micro power can play a significant role in meeting the government targets of achieving 15% of electricity generation from renewables by 2010 and 33% by 2020. To encourage farmers to invest in micro energy generation on-farm, the IFA is proposing a double capital allowance tax relief up to a maximum investment of... [read full story]