Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends to establish a scheme for the planting of willow and other biomass crops; if she will include a facility to assist with the purchase of harvesters and chippers; if she further intends to increase the rate of the energy crop payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27994/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Plans for the introduction of a scheme to support the planting of willow are at an advanced stage, but will require EU approval. I am also aware of renewed interest among some producers in growing 'miscanthus' as a feedstock for bioenergy purposes. My Department has received a number of proposals for the introduction of establishment grants for miscanthus and these are currently being considered.

In relation to biomass harvesting machinery, such as harvesters and chippers for processing of forest biomass, plans to introduce a special scheme of supports are also at an advanced stage. Again, the introduction of any such scheme will require EU approval.

Currently, support for the growing of energy crops is provided by way of the Energy Crops Scheme which was introduced under the reform of the CAP. Under this scheme, energy crops may qualify for aid of €45 per hectare provided they are intended primarily for use in the production of biofuels and electric and thermal energy produced from biomass. In addition to this scheme, set aside land can be used for a variety of non-food uses including the growing of crops for energy purpose and will therefore qualify to activate set-aside entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme. The EU has agreed that sugar beet will be eligible for aid under the scheme and may also be grown as an energy crop on set aside land. The aid of €45 per hectare available under the Energy Crops Scheme has proven not to be sufficiently attractive in itself to stimulate the growing of such crops. For this reason at the February Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting I called for a review of the premium and I am pleased to say that the EU Commission has undertaken to review the operation of the scheme.