Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the supports available to farmers who wish to introduce renewable energy initiatives on their farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37455/08]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives in place to encourage farmers to grow crops for fuel which will not only assist in the reduction of greenhouse emissions but also assist in rural development by providing and sustaining new enterprise and employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37456/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 58 together.

The development of renewable energy in Ireland, including solar, thermal, wind and bioenergy are matters in the first instance for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. My Department's role is to support the supply side of the bioenergy market by encouraging farmers and foresters to produce biomass feedstocks.

In this regard, my Department is implementing the agri-related initiatives in the National Bioenergy Action Plan to increase the share of renewable energy derived from the agriculture and forestry sectors. A number of these measures assist farmers in growing energy crops. For example, my Department introduced a National Energy Crop Premium worth €80 per hectare to supplement the EU premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. A Bioenergy Scheme was also launched to provide establishment grants of €1,450 per hectare to farmers interested in planting willow and miscanthus. So far some 1,700 hectares have been planted under the Scheme. Areas planted with energy crops can also qualify for the Single Payment.

Aid is also provided for research projects that relate to bioenergy and energy crops through the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme. Over the past three years, some €6.4 million in research assistance has been made available for 13 projects encompassing a broad range of agri-energy topics including energy crop production.

As regards on-farm projects, my Department is supporting the development of anaerobic digestion facilities by providing grant aid to farmers for pilot projects under the Scheme of Investment Aid for Demonstration On Farm Waste Processing Facilities. In 2007, ten projects were awarded grants under the Scheme. On the forestry side, the Wood Biomass Harvesting Scheme provides up to 40% grant aid for the purchase of specialised wood machinery. Other supports for forestry include 100% grants and annual premiums to encourage increased afforestation.

The exploitation of bioenergy resources can provide an extra source of income for farmers and rural communities along with reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy security. My Department will play its role in realising the multifaceted opportunities that the sector has to offer.