Sophie Wilesmith

Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme Project OMENZ was established to address key barriers in the commercial-scale planting of Miscanthus, a perennial biomass crop central to achieving the UK’s net-zero carbon targets by 2050. With only ~9,000 hectares under cultivation in 2023… Read More »Project OMENZ – final report summary (phase 2)

With the 2025 cereal harvest season in full swing, many farmers are reflecting on what has been another volatile year for arable cropping, early-season droughts, increasing input costs, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding agri-environment payments have all played their part.… Read More »Why 2026 should be the year you plant Miscanthus

As the UK accelerates toward its legally-binding net zero target by 2050, the Climate Change Committee’s 7th Carbon Budget reveals a strategic but evolving role for biomass in Britain’s energy transition. Biomass emerges as a targeted solution in a diverse… Read More »Our insights from the Climate Change Committee’s 7th Carbon Budget

As Europe accelerates its transition to low-carbon energy and sustainable land use, demand for perennial biomass crops such as Miscanthus is gaining significant momentum – particularly in the Netherlands and Denmark, where ambitious government targets and environmental legislation are reshaping… Read More »Surging demand for Miscanthus in Europe

We’ve caught up with Lincolnshire contractor, Tim Russon, who harvests around 1620 hectares of Miscanthus between Suffolk and Yorkshire, about Miscanthus harvest ’25… Q: How are conditions for Miscanthus harvesting in your area?A: Conditions are generally good, though the last… Read More »Miscanthus Harvest 2025 – Q&A with Farm Contractor Tim Russon