CABONNE farmers facing rising fuel and fertiliser costs will have the chance to learn how producers across Australia are using renewable energy to cut costs, strengthen energy security and create new income streams at a major conference in Orange this month.
The National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo will bring around 400 farmers and industry representatives together on 12 August, with organisers encouraging producers to consider how renewable technologies could work on their own farms.
Conference founder and director Karin Stark said the event would provide practical examples from farmers already using renewable energy to improve the resilience of their operations.
“I think fertiliser and fuel shortages and supply shocks and cost this year have really put the torch to a lot of businesses and balance sheets,” she said.
The conference will explore technologies including solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and biofuels, as well as emerging opportunities for farmers to produce their own energy and fertiliser.
Ms Stark said she was particularly excited by the potential for farmers to become more energy-secure, with speakers discussing the use of biofuels and renewable energy to produce green ammonia.
The conference is designed around farmers learning from other farmers, with producers sharing their experiences and discussing how different technologies could be applied to agricultural operations.
“Being really smart and innovating and diversifying as farmers is just so critical,” Ms Stark said.
The event will provide opportunities for attendees to connect with farmers, businesses and industry speakers, while optional farm tours on August 13 will give participants the chance to visit a solar-powered winery or the Flyers Creek Wind Farm.
At the wind farm, a landholder and developer will discuss the project’s construction and operation, offering farmers an opportunity to see the infrastructure up close and learn more about involvement in a wind energy project.
Ms Stark said she hoped farmers would leave the conference with a better understanding of the opportunities renewable energy could provide.
“Farmers need to be engaging in energy transition and shaping projects and learning how renewables can cut their cost and also give them energy security,” she said.
The National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo will be held at the Greenhouse Orange on August 12, with farm tours on August 13.