The UK is at a turning point in its transition away from oil and gas, and bio-based chemicals and materials could play a major role. A new report from the Building Resilient UK Bio-Based Supply Chains event highlights the opportunities,… Read More »Bio-based supply chains event insights
IBERS scientists have significantly advanced the UK’s capacity to deliver sustainable biomass through their pioneering work in the Miscanspeed project, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The project has fast-tracked the breeding process by implementing… Read More »Accelerating the Future of Biomass: IBERS Scientists Fast-Track Miscanthus Breeding with Genomic Innovation
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), once positioned as a cornerstone of England’s post-BPS agricultural policy, has failed to deliver meaningful support for many UK farmers. Intended to reward environmental stewardship while providing a stable income stream, the scheme has instead… Read More »Miscanthus seen as stable option for UK farmers in 2026
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
At Birchwood Farm in Saxilby, Lincolnshire, father-and-son arable farmers Ian and James Willox are proving that Miscanthus is more than just a biomass crop – it’s a smart solution for awkward land and an increasingly valuable part of their farm… Read More »Making less productive land work: The grower’s perspective
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
Many UK Miscanthus growers are seeing a strong 2025 harvest, with average reported yields up by 20% compared to last year. The uplift is attributed to a combination of favourable weather conditions, increased adoption of the high yielding Terravesta Athena… Read More »20% increase in 2025 Miscanthus harvest yields
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
