Contracts for oil seed rape growers

WEXFORD biofuel company Biogreen Energy Products yesterday announced that it is offering contracts to farmer/growers of oil seed rape.

A minimum price of €225 a tonne for the 2006 harvest is being offered.

In addition growers who sign a contract will be eligible for the €45 per hectare EU energy payment. Company chairman Raymond O’Malley said Biogreen has pioneered development of the biofuel industry in Ireland and was awarded 87% of the 2005 derogation, announced by Minister Noel Dempsey last month.

Golden Vale Marts took a 50% stake in Biogreen Energy Products earlier this year with the remaining 50% stake being held by Mr O’Malley and Wexford farmers Anthony Browne, John Barron, Anthony McCarthy and Paddy Lambert.

Mr O’Malley said GVM’s investment reflects the growing confidence in this industry and highlights the market leading position of Biogreen.

The company has plans to expand its existing processing operation at Adamstown, Co Wexford.

Meanwhile, Green Party deputy leader Cllr Mary White has urged the Government to review its energy policy and invest in biofuels.

Rising fuel prices are cutting into all incomes particularly for farmers. “With reports claiming cereal yields are down by nearly 25%, it is time the Government woke up to the potential of biofuels.”

Ms White said if the Government gave the same level of support to biofuels as is provided in other EU countries, Ireland would be at the cutting edge of a new industry.