Requirement

Farmers are under increasing pressure to cut input costs, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and improve the health of their soils. At the same time, there’s a growing need to demonstrate sustainable farming practices that support long-term productivity and environmental goals.

Key requirements included:

  • A dependable supply of fertiliser at scale
  • Improved soil health and organic matter levels
  • Reduced reliance on costly synthetic fertilisers
  • A lower-carbon alternative aligned with sustainability commitments

Solution

As part of our anaerobic digestion process, we produce a nutrient-rich biofertilizer to the PAS110 standard that is fully traceable and locally available. By working in step with local farmers, we ensure this material is delivered and available to be applied in line with cropping cycles, replacing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Supplying consistent, high-quality biofertiliser with a reliable nutrient profile
  • Coordinating deliveries and application to fit with farm operations
  • Supporting best-practice spreading techniques to maximise nutrient uptake
  • Closing the loop by turning food waste into a valuable resource for agriculture

Outcome

Working with farmers has shown how renewable energy production and agriculture can work hand in hand.

Benefits delivered include:

  • Improved soil condition and increased organic matter, boosting resilience and productivity
  • Reduced fertiliser bills through lower reliance on synthetic products
  • Lower carbon emissions compared with conventional fertilisers
  • A practical example of the circular economy in action

'Biogen produce a high quality digestate with high nitrogen availability, which provides a great substitute to oil based, artificial fertilisers. This has allowed us to fix fertiliser cost, also allowing us to grow certain crops without the need for any other additional fertiliser. We are able to build and maintain P & K indices, being a food waste derived product, means phosphate is more crop available than some other alternative organic fertilisers. We are also applying digestate to other local farms for oil seed rape establishment and not only does it supply autumn nitrogen requirements, but also seems to help with the ongoing Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle problems faced with early establishment, due to the banning of Neonicotinoid insecticides.   Digestate has certainly enabled us to create more resilient farming business and allowing us to farm in a more environmentally sustainable manner. This has been especially noticeable in more recent years.'

Banks Farming Ltd