Firm trumpets elephant grass use

THE demand to grow miscanthus cane, otherwise known as elephant grass, has increased dramatically in Munster and Galway in the past three months, according to JHM Crops, based at Kilfinny, Adare, Co Limerick.

It says the reasons for the immense interest include the fact that more people have a better understanding of the crop’s potential and the continued medium to long-term views on the cost of energy.

Other factors are the Government’s determination to address and reduce carbon emissions, and EU and Government grant aid initiatives which cover up to 50% of the establishment costs.