The business case for Miscanthus continues to strengthen due to its positive environmental impact and the attractive long-term contracts available to grow and sell it.
In January, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) issued a ‘net zero’ land use report which included a recommendation to plant 23,000 hectares of energy crops such as Miscanthus in the UK per year, to make significant carbon savings, helping to meet UK net zero targets.
Farmers interested in finding out about growing the crop are invited to attend the Lincolnshire breakfast Miscanthus farm walk, hosted by Miscanthus specialist Terravesta and CLA East, taking place in Hagworthingham, Lincolnshire, on the 20th February.
The walk is free of charge and guests on the day will have the chance to view a commercial miscanthus crop on an arable farm, and hear from Terravesta about long term contracts to supply, grow and sell Miscanthus.
Hosted by CLA East chairman William Price, the farm walk will include a tour of his miscanthus fields, and is a chance to hear why William has planted 7 hectares of the crop on his marginal land due to the price security it offers and its strong environmental credentials, and why he will be planting a further 25 hectares this spring.
William will supply Miscanthus specialist Terravesta with whole bales, to fuel Brigg Renewable Energy Plant, in North Lincolnshire, on a long-term contract. Terravesta has a 14-year contract with the power station, which in turn has long-term government support.
“Miscanthus is a hardy perennial crop, with an average return of £543/ha over a 15-year period, and long-term fixed index linked contracts are available with Terravesta to grow and sell it,” says Ben Booth from Terravesta.
The breakfast farm walk will take place on Thursday 20th February, meeting at The George and the Dragon pub in Hagworthingham, Lincolnshire. Breakfast is provided and the day will include a tour of William’s miscanthus crop, and talks from Terravesta and the CLA. FREE tickets can be reserved online: www.terravesta.com/events.
