It’s been worth the wait but the SRC willow variety Endurance will be available for planting in the spring of 2015. Over the last decade Endurance has consistently yielded highly in trials in the UK and Ireland and is the only variety that consistently outperforms Tora, the industry standard (Ref: Willow Varietal Identification Guide). Versatility […]
This workshop is aiming to raise awareness of perennial energy crops amongst major conservation NGOs. During the day there will be an opportunity for some myths to be debunked whilst extending an olive branch so that project developers, farmers and conservation bodies can work together in order to achieve highly sustainable bioenergy projects. Crops for […]
Back in June a very influential report called “The best use of UK agricultural land” was produced by the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). The significance of the report is that it is backed by big food organisations such as ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Nestle as well as the NFU and CLA as part of CISL’s […]
Crops for Energy Ltd has sought to engage with likeminded individuals and organisations in order to respond to the CAP reform consultation and demonstrate the potential value of continued but more targeted support for the energy crops sector. Our view is that woody energy crops in general and short rotation coppice (SRC) willow in particular […]
DEFRA are currently seeking views on the Common Agricultural Policy reform. The consultation will run until November 28th. More details can be found on the above link or by calling DEFRA on 020 7238 6348. Responses to the consultation should be sent to Capconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk. We will be co-ordinating a response with other organisations active in the energy […]
The Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) closes to new applications at the end of August 2013. Crops for Energy Ltd has produced a position paper which sets out the need for an improved policy framework for the woody energy crops sector as well as a third round of the ECS. The paper includes a critical appraisal of the […]
The Rokwood project is aiming to help improve the market conditions for the increased uptake of woody energy crops (such as willow, poplar) grown in short rotation plantations (SRPs). The first 6 months of the project has been all about understanding what has gone before with each of the six clusters engaged in a lengthy […]
Crops for Energy has produced the first holistic study looking at potential contribution of woody energy crops to south west regional renewable energy targets
A recent scientific article suggests that growing fast growing woody energy crops such as willow, poplar and eucalyptus could lead to increased human mortality and reduce crop yields. See: Impacts of biofuel cultivation on mortality and crop yields Apparently, large areas of fast growing tree crops could produce substantial emissions of isoprene which reacts in […]
In this blog we address the possible implications of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform process on the woody energy crops industry. Our response is based on the outcome of the latest vote of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee at the European Parliament on 23/01/2013. RURAL DEVELOPMENT REGULATION ARTICLE 18: Investment in Physical […]