Logs made from renewable fuel crop go on sale in Limerick

THE first logs made in Ireland from miscanthus, a renewable fuel crop grown by farmers, have gone on the retail market in Limerick.

Behind the move is JHM Biofuels, which said the early indications are that the logs are proving a successful fuel for home fires, ranges and log burners.

The company, a subsidiary of JHM Crops, based at Kilfinny, Adare, Co Limerick, reports a huge interest in the logs from the retail sector.

It said it is proud to bring to the market a product that is grown and processed locally and is supporting local jobs.

Miscanthus is grown under contract to JHM Crops and processed at the McMahon EcoFuel facility in Kantoher, Co Limerick.

Joe Hogan, chief executive, said the development is a dream that has become a reality after several years of hard work.

“After extensive research and development we are satisfied that the product we are supplying is processed and packaged to suit the consumer and offers a real alternative to fossil fuels that are becoming ever more expensive,” he said.

JHM Crops has plantations of miscanthus all around Munster and is actively seeking new growers for next season to meet the increasing demand for its product.

Ronan Madigan, Shanagolden, Co Limerick, the largest grower of miscanthus in Ireland, said it is very encouraging to see the finished product on shop shelves.

“This should encourage more farmers to get involved in growing renewable fuel energy crops for the Irish market,” he said.

Meanwhile, IFA Grain Committee chairman Colum McDonnell said this year’s harvest has been a financial disaster for most grain growers, with incomes back by up to €500 per hectare.

“The inability of the trade to cope with the harvest and their persistent talking down of price has seriously undermined growers’ confidence,” he said.