Mr. Paul O'Brien:

I thank our president and thank you, Chairman, for the opportunity to speak to the committee. I am the farmer in the room, and the reality is that we farmers would be key stakeholders in any future AD industry that emerges. Farmers are looking for alternatives. We have to be viable in the future. We will still have bills to pay and children to put through college. As an industry, we need to make changes but we also need to be a part of any future potential. I see this as certainly an avenue for farming and an opportunity for farmers to engage, not so much in a passive income stream but as a key driver in helping to decarbonise the economy. Finances coming back to our industry that will be redistributed through global communities are positive. From the farming aspect, it is very important there is honesty in the system such that we know that we will be dealing with companies that will pay us and that the money can be distributed back. Ultimately, however, the question is whether farmers believe that this is an opportunity for them. Most farmers who contact me would like to see at least whether this is viable. Fundamentally, we need to be given avenues or opportunities in the future to be able to see once and for all whether this can be considered part of our future. Other farmers in Europe are key to this. They all see this as one of the most valued parts of their farming business. I stress once again, from a farmer's point of view, that all we are looking for is options. This is a big opportunity for us if it is conducted in the right way and in a way that protects everybody along the supply chain.