More than 250 farmers and landowners from across North West England have already registered to participate in the FiT for FARMING networking event, being staged on Thursday 19 May at Aintree Racecourse.

This CLA initiated and supported event has been designed for farmers looking to develop their own renewable energy and heat projects, attracting payments under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme and the new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

The day starts with an opening plenary session led by Helen Lancaster, Regional Surveyor CLA North, who will set out the opportunities for lan downers to generate renewable energy to gain revenue and reduce their costs.  This will include an overview of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and will cover: the eligible installations and their tariff levels; the choices available; and the advantages and disadvantages of the various different renewable technologies.

The rest of the day is set aside for farmers to have their own bespoke schedule of pre-arranged appointments with selected companies, experienced in the type of renewable projects they are interested in developing.

In preparation for this pre-arranged meetings service, each participating landowner has submitted a profile detailing the types of renewable project they are looking to develop. These profiles provide a unique insight into how the FiT and RHI schemes are encouraging farmers to plan renewable energy/heat projects.

Wind Power projects are top of the list with a 172 participants citing a high degree of interest. There are also 85 landowners planning Solar PV projects, 62 looking at Hydropower schemes and 29 interested in developing Anaerobic Digestion projects. On the renewable heat side, 45 participants are looking purchase Solar Thermal systems, wit h a similar numbers planning to utilise Heat Pumps technologies and implement Biomass Heat projects.

Farmers and landowners planning their own renewable project can apply to participate free of charge via www.fitforfarming.com/northwest

Technology suppliers and professional services firms can register as Meetings Hosts for £495 + VAT via www.fitforfarming.com/meetingshost and set-up a series of pre-arranged appointments with landowners planning renewable projects.  For other commercial opportunities, please contact John Neame from the organisers on 01883 344 799 or via john@fitforfarming.com