RNG in agriculture: a financial and ecological issue

THE non-road diesel is a specific fuel used in agricultural, construction and industrial machinery, which has gradually replaced the use of fuel oil for several years. In France, the price of GNR is experiencing an increasing increase, which pushes the government to think about its inclusion in the daily practices of farmers, in order not to endanger the agri-food sector, while being part of an approach ecological transition. Focus on the issue of GNR in agriculture on French territory with at the end of the article, good practices and innovative technology to save fuel.

The impact of the increase in prices of agricultural RNG

In France for several years, the price of agricultural RNG , like that of other fuels, has been constantly increasing and this observation is unfortunately not expected to improve. Instead, let's look at the impact on the sector and operators.

What price per liter for farmers?

In France, GNR is available at an average price of €1,125 per liter . Reserved for agricultural professionals and foresters - road diesel varies depending on the geographical sector in which they operate as well as fluctuations in the European market and costs linked to transport.

A sharply increasing price, why?

GNR has suffered an increase in its price since April 2021. This is due to the explosion in oil prices due to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, because economic sanctions have been put in place by various national actors (including the Europe), against Russia. This increase in GNR worries the agricultural sector and disrupts agricultural and forestry practices, actively seeking partial support to deal with this situation which impacts their profitability. Thus, the Minister of Labor and Ecology announced the implementation of support measures with regard to agricultural concerns during this period of fluctuation in GNR prices.

Government actions and aid.

Reimbursement of the agricultural TICPE

In response to the search for support in the agricultural sector , the government implemented the TIPCE reform for professional operators but also for construction work . The implementation of this reform ensures partial reimbursement of €0.1496/liter of GNR (rate for the 2022 campaign). This state aid Aide GNR Agricole 2023 project which aims to limit the financial impact of the increase in non-road diesel on farmers. In addition to partial reimbursement, subsidies make it possible to cover part of the costs allocated to the transport of RNG to agricultural areas (crops and livestock).

The implementation of this government support is a way of illustrating the perpetual search for solutions to deal with the harmful effects of growing geopolitical conflicts throughout the world and their consequences on our consumption habits. Agriculture is one of the largest and most distressed sectors in France and even if state intervention is laudable it is sometimes far from enough. Also the question arises of switching to alternative fuels or electricity .

Towards the end of RNG on farms?

The national low-carbon strategy adopted in France and elsewhere in Europe recommends reducing sales of agricultural machinery by 2026 and turning to energies that are cleaner for the environment such as hydrogen, bio- gas or electric. Indeed, Europe has positioned itself with the idea of ​​reducing greenhouse gas emissions and this of course concerns the agricultural (and forestry) sector and therefore the use of RNG in agriculture . However, despite the efforts of manufacturers and the latest energy innovations, it will take many years before real machines can drive efficiently on agricultural and forestry soils. At issue are major challenges such as battery autonomy or the commissioning of recharging infrastructure at the level of farmers' plots. Until thermal vehicles are banned on farms of all kinds, it is necessary to make as many savings as possible... both for the profitability of farmers and for the protection of biodiversity!

How to reduce RNG consumption in agriculture?

While waiting for a realistic possibility of switching to alternative solutions to operate agricultural machinery, there are ways to combat rising prices by reducing the consumption of agricultural RNG . In addition to minimizing the fuel budget, it also has an ecological impact .

Best practices for saving fuel

Apart from constantly seeking a more responsible mode of production, which also involves the machines used, there are good practices that can be implemented without too much investment to save fuel .

• Eco -driving : by optimizing their driving (speed, less stopping, obstacle management), farmers reduce their carbon footprint as well as their energy consumption . A great gesture to improve road safety and save the planet!
• Plot exchange : this is of course not always feasible, it is in fact an exchange of plots of agricultural land with the idea of ​​optimizing land use and water management, but also of have fewer journeys to make from one field to another.
• The test bench: passing your machines on a test bench allows you to make the best adjustments and identify possible problems. It is not uncommon for these adjustments to bring considerable savings and it is clearly an underrated practice that is highly recommended.
• Maintenance of agricultural vehicles : Maintenance of agricultural vehicles is extremely important when it comes to saving money. Indeed, the wear of parts, the condition of the tires etc. are all factors that significantly impact the consumption of your machines .