On Saturday (11th May), Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable MP and Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore MP visited a growing farm-based biomass energy business to discuss the challenges facing farmers looking to embrace renewable energy technologies.

During their visit to Topling Ltd in Berwickshire, Moore and Cable took part in a discussion covering some of the challenges facing farmers looking to embrace renewable energy technologies

The company was set up last year, a partnership between farmer and bioenergy specialist John Seed and businessman Steve Jones to produce, supply and install biomass boilers and heating systems for rural markets.

Dr Cable said, "It was great to see that there are farm businesses in the Borders which are thriving, diversifying and creating jobs for local people and I assured the group that I would take action on the points we discussed during the meeting."

Mr Moore said "Here in the Borders we have some fantastic local farm businesses which are successful across the UK and further afield. I have no doubt that the meeting on Saturday was extremely useful for all concerned and I look forward to continuing my discussions with Vince and those who attended to ensure we get the best possible deal for businesses in the Borders."

John Seed said the purpose of the visit was to show the ministers that it is possible to make farming more resilient by installing renewables including biomass heating, solar and wind power, and that these present viable new technologies which are worthy of government support.