Union fights problems caused by biofuel
NFU Scotland is pursuing high-level solutions to the machinery problems many farmers in Scotland and across the UK have been experiencing linked to the biofuel content in fuel.
Fuel is a reserved issue and the union is therefore seeking support from both the Scottish and UK Governments to find a solution and mitigate the problem. In December, the union wrote to Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps MP, that was shared with the Scottish Government.
The union welcomed the decision by fuel manufacturer Petroineos at the end of last year to reduce biofuel content as a short-term solution.
NFU Scotland’s is asking the UK Government to broker a fuel replacement scheme to enable farmers who have problematic fuel on farm to receive a fuel uplift and refill of alternative fuel suitable for their needs.
It also wants a review of the specification and testing protocols to ensure fuel produced within the UK is fit for purpose and reliable and to ensure the review of this specification and testing protocol is delivered in a timely manner to prevent a future crisis.
The NFUS is calling for further research into the behaviour of recycled oil and animal fats within diesel and to assess if specific fats should be excluded from diesel.
Representatives from NFU Scotland and NFU attended a meeting with industry experts in December to discuss the specifications, standards and testing protocol of fuel.
A commitment has been made to create a dedicated taskforce which will assess filter blocking within agricultural vehicles.
NFUS will participate in this group as members, alongside NFU representatives, to represent agricultural end-users. It is grateful for the continued collaboration with stakeholders to resolve this issue and calls for the taskforce to commence work immediately.
NFUS policy adviser Zoe Meldrum said: ‘Fuel problems remain a top priority for our members and time and resource continues to be dedicated towards finding practical solutions and apply lessons from this event to ensure fuel issues such as this cannot impact agriculture again.
‘Our political engagement and participation in the taskforce back that up.
‘Members’ evidence has been fundamental in understanding the problem and more than 400 contacted NFUS in November and December and we thank them for the invaluable information.
‘We are asking members who are continuing to have problems to complete the survey when they experience a problem.’