A DORSET farmer told today of his role in the green revolution.

Dairy and biomass farmer Owen Yeatman is helping to mitigate climate change using new technology that generates renewable energy.

He spoke as it was revealed that more than half the farmers in the region say they are affected by climate change.

Counties like Dorset are particularly at risk with drought and water availability being key issues.

Although many see it as a risk, one fifth of those interviewed felt climate change was a business opportunity, particularly in the form of new crops and increased tourism.

The Farming Futures website launched this week offers practical ideas to make agricultural businesses more resilient to the impacts of climate change. It provides information on a range of issues - including biomass technology whereby animal waste and crops are transformed into energy.

Mr Yeatman, a former chairman of the Dorset NFU whose farm is near Blandford, is among those profiled on the website. He spent years researching his project, including travelling to Germany where renewable power is big business - and is now selling electricity to the National Grid.

Biomass technology has helped him to run a more profitable farming business but also made him think about the environment.

He said: "I got involved in biomass for economic reasons.

"But having spent the time looking into the science and seeing the carbon savings I could make I have to say it changed my point of view.

"Agriculture can help make a positive contribution towards solving the problem."

He added: "We can't continue to dump the amount of carbon in the atmosphere as we have previously and not expect to see changes.

"I want to hand on my land in a better state than when I got it. Society and politics don't appear to take that attitude towards the next generation.

"We have issues as a society that I can't solve but as a farmer I can do a lot."

Mr Yeatman says working with biogas provides many opportunities for the agricultural industry such as a reduction of methane emissions, saving mineral fertiliser, reduction of odour emissions and strengthening of rural infrastructure.

In the future he anticipates becoming a sole energy-producing farmer.

Farming Futures project manager Katie Zabel said: "Climate change will affect us all so for farmers and land managers to continue running successful, sustainable businesses in future they need to think about on-farm adaptation and mitigation action.

"English farmers and land managers really are part of the solution to climate change.

"That's why we're inviting them to a series of on-farm workshops throughout the year and have produced fact sheets and case studies."

For more information visit: www.farmingfutures.org.uk