BRITISH Biogen, the new trade association for the UK's biomass

industry, has been welcomed by the NFU as providing a valuable platform

for promoting alternative energy sources.

NFU deputy president Ben Gill said: ''UK agriculture is at a point in

time when it needs to invest in alternative crops to meet the pressures

resulting from CAP reform and the Gatt agreement.''

Mr Gill added: ''The launch of British Biogen is an important step

forward in promoting and encouraging the commercial development of

biomass as a renewable energy source.

''British Biogen's initiatives in developing an industry code of

practice and a biomass export task force are vital if the UK is not to

lose potential markets to overseas competitors.''