Biochar from ruminant biomass to reduce the carbon footprint of the Welsh food supply chain

At Lafan Consultants we believe in the power of partnerships, there are opportunities to develop creative and clever business models for the benefit of the rural economy. We are not just a business consultancy, we are a catalyst for change, a bridge between challenges and solutions.

John brings a wealth of experience from applied research, as manager of the Agriculture Research Centre at Gelli Aur, we developed game-changing systems and processes to reduce the impact of agricultural nutrients on the environment, now having joined Lafan I would like to apply some of this technology to help reduce the carbon footprint of the Welsh food supply chain.

We are already working with a major independent food wholesaler who has committed to achieving Net Zero, our role is to work with their suppliers and primary producers to help them contribute to the overall supply chain pledge. The proposed project outcome will not in any way be exclusive to one wholesaler or supply chain, the relevance will apply to the whole of the Welsh agricultural food industry.

Many intensive livestock farms produce surplus nutrients to their requirements to replenish and feed the crops needed to sustain the farming requirements, if not managed appropriately this can lead to environmental pollution. The Welsh Government has also set a limit to the stocking rate through the organic nitrogen produced. To meet the legislation farmers will need to de-stock, or purchase extra land, this will have serious implications on the financial viability of many businesses.

An alternative is to export nutrients off the farm, the technology developed at Gelli Aur has made this an efficient opportunity.

We propose that Lafan develop a process where surplus biomass can be used within the supply chain, that supply chain is diverse and consists of livestock produce, red and white meat, milk, and eggs, but also horticultural and fruit which for food security reasons and health benefits needs to be expanded. The biomass will be converted to biochar, sometimes referred to as black gold, biochar stores carbon for thousands of years as well as provides a host of agricultural and environmental benefits, such as a soil improver and growing medium for horticultural and soft fruit production, replacing, peat-based or imported compost.

We will carry out industrial-scale trials on the suitability of farm biomass for the production of biochar and carry out growing trials with growers from within the supply chain.