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Farmers pointed to energy benefits under tougher nitrate rules

Farmers facing new rules on storing manure could turn a potential burden into an opportunity by using anaerobic digestion systems to turn the organic matter into renewable energy.

That was the suggestion of ministers today, as they published revised regulations that aim to cut the amount of nitrates from fertilisers escaping into British rivers.

From January 2009, farmers will face new rules restricting the times of year when manure and other nitrate fertilisers can be spread on land.

Outside these limited periods, Defra said today that if farmers store their manure within anaerobic digestion facilities, they could get an added bonus of income from the sale of renewable energy generated.

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