Title: Uncertainty Creeps in for Lincolnshire Farmers as Vivergo Biofuel Plant Faces Closure
Lincolnshire farmers live in uncertainty as the Vivergo Fuels biofuel plant near Hull declares the acceptance of its last delivery of wheat from the region. The plant, identified as the UK’s largest bioethanol facility, has had a substantial economic influence on local farmers by regularly buying significant quantities of locally grown wheat. The freshly negotiated UK-US trade deal has led to the lifting of a 19% tariff on US biofuel imports, thereby bringing the plant’s future under threat. This situation not only affects over 160 direct employees but could also potentially impact up to 4,500 jobs in the supply chain.
Matt Pickering, a farmer from near Gainsborough, who recently supplied his last batch of wheat to Vivergo, voiced concerns over the potential loss of a crucial market for his agricultural produce. The looming situation has triggered alarm bells for local haulage firms too, including Aghaul Limited, which conveyed the last load to the plant. The firm’s Managing Director, Mike Green, highlighted the significant secondary effects his business might experience due to the possible plant closure.
Urging for immediate government intervention, Ben Hackett, Vivergo’s Managing Director, stressed the importance of support for the bioethanol industry to avert the plant’s closure. Reports suggest the government is currently in talks with the company to evaluate potential financial aids and strategies to protect jobs and the supply chain.
This information comes via a report from The Lincoln Post, which was originally produced by www.bbc.com.
