Bioenergy an ‘opportunity’ for farmers and rural communities

PROVIDING raw materials for bioenergy production represents an opportunity for farmers and rural communities, according to Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan.

She said the Government has put measures in place to develop a market in feed-stocks for bioenergy production.

The measures include actions to develop the forest wood energy chain, increase production of energy crops and support research and development in the agri-energy field.

“The ‘green agenda’ is a topic we have all become increasingly familiar with as concerns grow about the effects of climate change, increased carbon emissions and Ireland’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.

“Increasing the amount of energy from renewable sources can play an important role in providing access to secure, sustainable and competitively priced energy,” she said.

“And of course, renewable energy is an integral part in the fight against climate change.

“We have a wealth of renewable energy resources in Ireland, particularly in the agriculture and forestry sectors, which provide most of the raw materials for bioenergy production,” said Ms Coughlan.

Forestry Minister Mary Wallace has meanwhile announced the second phase of a scheme offering establishment grants to farmers to plant willow and miscanthus for bioenergy purposes.

Ms Wallace said the 2008 scheme will support the planting of up to 1,600 hectares of miscanthus and willow by providing grants of up to 50%, subject to a maximum 1,450 per hectare.

She also confirmed areas planted with miscanthus and willow can qualify for an EU energy crops premium, the national energy crop premium of €80 per hectare and adjusted payments under the REPS and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, subject to certain conditions.

The closing date for applications under the bioenergy scheme is February 29.