Farmers reap gains in energy crop production

GRANT aid for the production of energy crops from establishment to harvesting were announced as part of the Budget.

Firstly, grants will be introduced for willow and miscanthus, also known as elephant grass, where establishment costs are very high and there is a wait of several years before harvesting.

Secondly, there will be a national top-up of €80 per hectare, in addition to the existing EU premium of €45 per hectare.