Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, has been granted permission to build an anaerobic digester (AD) plant near its farms in Bruton, Somerset.
The ambitious plans from Wyke Farms will allow the company to save over four million kilos of carbon dioxide per annum and make it one of the first national food brands to be self sufficient in green energy.
Wyke Farms have been planning their green energy strategy since 2005 and applied for planning permission back in March. Building of the biogas plant is set to start immediately. The company is planning to source all of their electricity from both solar and biogas, generated from the farm and dairy waste. The business has already invested in solar arrays on farm buildings.
“We are a business that believe in the principles of sustainability. For us it’s about local farming, local sourcing and local supply wherever possible” said Rich Clothier, managing director and third generation family member at Wyke Farms.
He continued, “When it comes to energy sourcing, it doesn’t get more local than collecting the light off of your rooftops and using the gas digested from the manure from your cows, add to that a commitment to re-use all of the factory waste water again and it starts to get really exciting.”
Wyke Farms are in discussions with their energy advisors to ensure that they will be maximising their opportunity for sustainable green growth and accurately measuring their results.
