Farmers could be the new oil sheiks – Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 23/03/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire AM, Mick Bates, has called on the Labour Assembly Government to follow the example of England and invest in energy crops.

Speaking at a special meeting of the Assembly’s Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee in Haverford West, Mick said:

“Energy crops are a cheap, secure alternative to oil. They are abundant, reliable and would generate much needed wealth to our rural communities. Our farmers could even become the new oil sheiks!

“They have the potential to transform our way of life. Rather than importing expensive oil we could be growing crops that could provide our energy needs – fuelling our cars, buses and tractors.

“However, the Labour Assembly Government is doing nothing about it. In England £29 million has been made available to farmers looking to grow the crops. However, in Wales no money is available.

“If we are serious about bringing down carbon emissions, tackling climate change and generating wealth, investment in energy crops is a must.”