Energy Crops - Frequently Asked Questions

Renewable Fuels Ltd are "middlemen". Why not grow and sell direct? As millers generally buy wheat from grain merchants, so too the power generators will not purchase willow from individual farmers. An intermediary is required to ensure continuity and quality of supply. Renewable Fuels Ltd have both the expertise to help the farmer successfully grow the crop and the contacts and market awareness to achieve the best price for the crop following harvest. Will Renewable Fuels Ltd still be around at the end of the contract? With sound financial backing and a wealth of experience, both Renewable Fuels Ltd and its Swedish parent company are fully committed to and confident in the long-term future of willow in the UK. The group is prepared to rent land on a long-term basis and is looking to purchase land on which to grow willow. Is planting willow a long-term commitment? Willow can be removed at any time but it is economically sensible to remove after harvest, which generally takes place four years after first planting and every three years thereafter. However, the crop could be harvested during any winter and high yielding crops may actually benefit from harvesting every two years. We base our financial calculations on a 16-year cycle (5 harvests). Once established, willow can be viable for 30 years although developments in technology over time may make replanting beneficial. Will the willow be easy to remove? Yes. A final harvest can be taken in early autumn and allowed to shoot again. When the shoots are 15cm high they are sprayed with a glyphosate-based herbicide. Then a sub-soiler or discs run close to the stools will sever the roots, which are then mulched or ploughed in to allow reseeding the following spring. Will the willow ruin the field drainage? Willow has a fine spreading root system rather than the single central taproot associated with most species. Extensive plant breeding in recent years has developed modern varieties with more lateral spreading roots. Avoiding planting on the driest land also helps, as may do irrigation or the application of treated liquid sewage sludge. It is possible for a plantation of willow to be a viable crop for 30 years and degradation of drains over this period would be significant in any event How much of my time and effort will be required? As much or as little as you wish. Renewable Fuels can manage the entire cycle if required or can work in partnership with the farmer or landowner to whatever degree agreed. What are producer groups? Three or more farmers growing willow can get together to form a producer group and grants are available towards administration costs and for purchasing equipment. However, as the grant is only 50% this option demands a large upfront investment in expensive machinery that requires a large acreage to make it cost effective. Growing willow and other energy crops is currently under review by the Government. Does this mean that the incentives are likely to improve? The current planting grant of £1,000/ha has been in place for many years and originally represented 50% of the cost. Reducing costs in recent years mean that the grant now practically covers the cost of planting, especially where the preparation and establishment works are carried out by the farmer. Therefore it is unlikely that this grant will be increased. Currently willow can be grown on set aside land and as the Government is keen to encourage the planting of energy crops, this is likely to continue. Increases in annual subsidy would be very welcome and should apply equally to established crops. Will growing willow really help to reduce carbon emissions? Willow and other renewable wood fuels are generally regarded as carbon neutral. However, there are many factors which help to make the crop even more environmentally friendly such as growing as close as possible to the end use, efficient growing and harvesting techniques, air drying following harvest etc. How certain is the future for willow and other biomass fuels? The market for wood as a fuel in the UK is still in its early stages. However, the Government is obliged to reduce greenhouse gases under the Kyoto Protocol and replacing fossil fuels with energy crops will make an important contribution towards this goal. The power generators are receiving financial incentives to increase their use of renewable fuels and this is likely to continue in the foreseeable future. As more willow is planted and supply becomes more dependable, other uses such community heating projects, are also likely to develop. Will willow grow anywhere? Yes, practically, but as with any crop, better land produces better yields and profitability. Important considerations include Sufficient soil moisture but not permanent water logging Larger plantation sizes facilitate more efficient field operations Good access for harvesting equipment Will planting willow alter the local landscape? The crop can reach 7 to 8 metres prior to harvesting and this is an important consideration when choosing a site. Willows can be used to provide a windbreak, obstruct an unwanted view or filter traffic noise but equally they can alter the traditional green field view that some neighbours may cherish. Planting native trees and hedgerows where they don't already exist around the edges of willow plantations can soften the impact if necessary and the mature crop increases the biodiversity of the area with a wide range of plants and animals moving into the headlands and rides. What other benefits can willow offer? There are several Low investment in machinery and labour as once established, the crop requires little attention Part of the crop can be used for farm heating requirements Rides and headlands can be used by walkers or horse riders Willow can provide attractive winter cover for pheasants within 2 years of planting and is therefore useful for shooting.

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