Section G: Energy crops
- How much money will be available for energy crops in the Programme?
- What changes have been made to the Energy Crops Scheme under RDPE 2007-2013?
- When will the Energy Crops Scheme open?
- What are the payment rates for establishment of energy crops under the new programme?
- Will the same crops be supported under the 2007-2013 Energy Crops Scheme?
- What can I do to prepare for making an application under the scheme?
1. How much money will be available for energy crops in the Programme?
- Nearly £47 million of new money will be made available to support the establishment of around 60,000 hectares of energy crops. Establishment support will be offered for the energy crops miscanthus and Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) of various species under Axis 1 of the Rural Development Regulation, via a measure, which allows for investment in the modernisation of agricultural holdings.
- In addition, the RDAs will be supporting activity which is related to the delivery of biomass energy and supporting its supply chain.
2. What changes have been made to the Energy Crops Scheme under RDPE 2007-2013?
- All plantings (miscanthus and short rotation coppice) supported will be at a rate of 40% of actual costs. Full details of which costs are eligible are available from Natural England.
- Any Energy Crop Scheme agreements entered into before 1 January 2007 (i.e. under the 2000-2006 scheme) will not be affected by these changes
3. When will the Energy Crops Scheme open?
- The Energy Crops Scheme is already open – open for applications throughout the year. However, if applications are received after 31 December each year Natural England cannot guarantee they will be processed in time for the next available planting opportunity.
- The Scheme handbook, application form and details of the Scheme are available at www.naturalengland.org.uk and further information can be obtained from the Energy Crops Scheme Administration Unit on 01609 767400.
4. What are the payment rates for establishment of energy crops under the Programme?
- The Energy Crops Scheme provides support for miscanthus and SRC at a rate of 40% of actual (verifiable) costs.
5. Will the same crops be supported under the 2007-2013 Energy Crops Scheme?
- Yes. We will continue to support the establishment of the perennial energy crops miscanthus and short rotation coppice of willow and poplar, under the successor scheme. In addition we have added some slower-growing traditional coppice trees – these are ash, alder, hazel, silver birch, sycamore, sweet chestnut and lime.
6. What can I do to prepare for making an application under the scheme?
- To support the new Scheme, opportunity maps have been published. The maps are a tool to provide guidance to those seeking to develop energy crops, showing the areas that are likely to be best for growing SRC and miscanthus, as well as where it would not be appropriate to plant or where care would need to be taken. The maps are indicative, not definitive, and individual assessments of applications will still take place.
Page last modified:
29 October, 2008
Page published: 21 July, 2005