From 1 February 2010, British farmers will be eligible for unsecured, interest-free loans for between £3,000 and £20,000 to help them upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. The loans are designed to pay for themselves through direct energy savings provided over one to four years – and after the loan is repaid, farmers will make direct savings on their energy costs, as well as cutting the carbon footprint of what they produce.
The loans scheme is part of the Carbon Trust’s Big Business Refit – a nationwide campaign encouraging British businesses to replace old, energy intensive equipment which wastes £3.3 billion a year. The money has been made available from the Carbon Trust’s loans fund. Loans will be available on a first come, first served basis.
