Bioenergy a real opportunity, says IFA

PRODUCING energy crops will only have a viable future if they can provide a return on investment and labour for farmers, Irish Farmers Association President, Padraig Walshe, declared at the launch of a farm diversification manual in Dublin.

He said the whole bio-energy area represents a real opportunity for increased confidence and investment in agriculture and the rural economy, while simultaneously addressing environmental and sustainability issues.

“While research and the provision of husbandry management guidelines are a critical component in achieving optimum yields, the industry will only achieve viability if the Government puts in place a proper policy framework that supports an indigenous bio-energy sector,” he said.