BusinessWaste.co.uk waste experts believe there is huge potential in transforming waste from potato growing into valuable resources and have shared top recommendations with British Potato Review.
- Farm waste repurposing
Waste from crops can be turned into energy. Anaerobic digestion facilities take this waste and turn it into biogas which can then be used to run farm machines or even sold for money. After they make the biogas, the soil superfood for the soil (digestate) is left over. This digestate can also be put into bags and sold.
- From Waste to Wealth with Composting
The organic waste from plant leftovers and food scraps not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but it also creates a valuable product – compost which is highly sought after by gardening lovers and organic farms. If growers set up a good system for making compost, they generate an additional income from something that used to be just thrown away.
- Innovative Packaging Solutions
Leaves and other leftovers can be turned into packaging that breaks down naturally and doesn’t harm the environment. This is a smart way to create a new income stream as more companies are looking into switching to more sustainable packaging.
- Value-Added Products: Beyond the Farm
Looking into the different ways farm waste can be used can spark new ideas for partnering with different industries such as natural colours for clothes, oils or ingredients for beauty products. Partnerships with companies interested in these sustainable alternatives are a good way to generate an extra income for growers.
- Machine sharing platforms
Creating platforms for sharing machinery, like tractors and harvesters, can reduce the impact of manufacturing new equipment. It can create cost efficiencies for both smaller farms who can’t afford the expensive machinery and the big farms who can create an extra stream of income through lending it.
Implementation Tips
• Start Small and Scale Up: Begin with one or two waste-to-wealth practices listed above to understand the market, find what would work best for your farm and what’s easiest to implement.
• Leverage Technology: Utilise technology for efficient waste management and product development. Innovations in composting, anaerobic digestion, and recycling can enhance productivity and profitability.
• Build Partnerships: Collaborate with technology providers, FMCG companies and suppliers, and sustainability consultants to access new markets and opportunities.
• Educate and Train: Invest in training for yourself and your team to stay updated on the latest in waste management and circular economy practices.
• Market Effectively: Develop a strong marketing strategy to promote your sustainable products. Highlighting the environmental benefits can attract eco-conscious consumers and businesses.
Transforming agricultural waste into revenue is not just a smart business strategy, but also a step towards a more sustainable agricultural sector. Applying the circular economy principles goes hand in hand with monetizing waste, and the farmers applying these will soon see an increase their farm’s long-term profitability.
