Meath Farmers to benefit from 2012 Bioenergy Scheme for Willow and Miscanthus – Minister Shane McEntee
Statement by Meath East TD and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,
Shane McEntee TD
8th, Dec, 2011
Meath Farmers to benefit from 2012 Bioenergy Scheme for Willow and Miscanthus – McEntee
Following an announcement by Simon Coveney TD, Minister for
Agricultur, Food and the Marine, Minister McEntee spoke about the new bioenergy scheme:
“I am glad to confirm the launch of the Bioenergy Scheme to grant aid the planting of willow and miscanthus crops as part of the re-opening of a range of targeted Agriculture
Modernisation measures. Many farmers in Meath could benefit from this new scheme e the quality of land in Meath is very suitable for willow and miscanthus production”
The terms and conditions of the scheme have been amended so that participants are no longer required to maintain the crop for seven years as a condition of receiving grant-aid. Minister McEntee welcomed this saying:
“The removal of this condition should help to make the scheme more attractive to farmers without reducing their commitment to
establishing and properly managing the crop once they make the planting investment. I believe the scheme will lead to increased interest from farmers who wish to become involved in energy crop production”
The closing date for submission of applications for pre-planting approval is Wednesday 18th January 2012.
Details of the 2012 Bioenergy Scheme and application forms can be obtained from Biofuels Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Kea-Lew Business Park,
Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Telephone 057-8692231/8692240 or at www.agriculture.gov.ie (Click here)
Note to Editors
The legal basis for the Bioenergy Scheme is Council regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005, as amended, on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Eligible costs include ground preparation operations, vegetation management, planting and the purchase of planting stock.
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For further Information:
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