New climate change targets for poultry businesses

The deal has been struck between NFU Energy and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and will lead to a reduction in the efficiency improvement target for the sector.

The NFU has been battling on behalf of members to reduce both the timescale and the improvement target of 12% reduction for the poultry sector, saying they didn’t reflect the energy efficiency already being undertaken by the sector.

As a result of the negotiations, DESNZ agreed to extend the CCA scheme by an additional 2 years until March 2027 and also revise downwards the energy efficiency improvement target to 10% for poultry.

Climate change agreements are voluntary agreements made between the UK industry and the Environment Agency to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. In return, operators receive a discount on the Climate Change Levy, a tax added to electricity and fuel bills.

“…accurately reflect the challenges”

Tim Crocker, NFU Energy managing director, welcomed the government climbdown, describing it as a significant victory: “By working collaboratively with both members and the NFU it meant that we could successfully advocate for revised reduction targets that accurately reflect the challenges faced by businesses in the Last Target Period.”

Tom Bradshaw, NFU deputy president, added: “The revision of these targets is a win for collaboration and the commitment to sustainable energy practice, and they are now fair and realistic for the horticulture and poultry businesses involved in the scheme.

“The CCA is one of the few government incentive schemes that has consistently encouraged energy users to do the right thing and make positive changes to boost their efficiency and productivity and reduce their environmental impact.”

The UK farming sector has an ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.