Claim renewable crop growers here at disadvantage to those in North

FARMERS in the Republic are at a competitive disadvantage compared to renewable crop growers in the North, according to one leading miscanthus grower.

Joe Hogan, managing director of Limerick-based JHM Crops, wants the Government to deliver on a promise from its predecessor to boost its Refit Tariff from 6.5c/GJ (cent per Gigajoule) to 9.5c/GJ.

German farmers receive a 22c/GJ Refit support, while Northern Ireland last week introduced a new Renewables Obligation Order to support electricity generation from anaerobic digestion, ie biomass.

“A lot of the biomass business will go to Northern Ireland rather than here,” said Joe Hogan. “We are the worst in Europe by a long way when it comes to supporting biomass production.

“The Government talks about getting 20% of Irish electricity from renewable sources by 2020, but that will mean importing biomass. The sector is on ice here until we get a positive response on the Refit Tariff.

JHM Crops has about 4,000 acres under contract with Irish farmers. It has a seven-year contract to supply Bord na Mona’s power plants. However, the low price on offer is putting most farmers off.

This week Joe Hogan joined with the IFA to ask the Government to create a Green Renewable Energy Unit, and to raise awareness of the thousands of jobs the sector could sustain if given the proper state supports.

IFA president John Bryan said: “We are spending €150m in imports per week to meet our fuel requirements. Developing renewable energy will create jobs and improve our balance of payments.”