Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has reminded Irish farmers they have until the end of this month to submit applications under the third phase of the Bioenergy Scheme.

The scheme was launched on a pilot basis in 2007 to provide establishment grants to farmers to plant willow and miscanthus over the period 2007 to 2009.

Minister Killeen said: "€2m is being made available this year to support the planting of a further 1,800 hectares of miscanthus and willow.

-- Advertisement --

"The scheme is now open for applications and interested farmers can apply for establishment grants of up to €1,450 per hectare to cover 50% of the costs of establishing these crops."

Miscanthus and willow are biomass crops grown to provide feedstock for use in the renewable energy market.

Establishment grants are payments to cover part of the costs of establishment. Eligible costs include ground preparation, fencing, vegetation control, the purchase of planting stock and planting.

Details of the Bioenergy Scheme and application forms can be obtained from the Biofuels Policy Unit at the Department of Agriculture.

(PR/KMcA)