JHM Crops Ltd.

PRESS RELEASE 13/9/2007

A meeting took place last night, September 12th, in Newcastle West, Co.Limerick of Miscanthus growers from all over Munster to discuss the ongoing problems and delays with the Government Crop Establishment Grant. The guest speaker was J.J.Kavanagh,IFA Project Team Leader on Bio-Energy.

Many growers expressed frustration with the Department of Agriculture that, having made the commitment to growing Miscanthus, and having incurred major expenses in doing so, they seem to be dragging their feet in paying the 1st instalment of 75% which was due on proof of establishment. ‘It has been a very difficult year for farmers with the weather conditions all summer and this delay in payment is hurting us badly’ said one grower. ‘The proof of establishment is there to be seen in the fields, the crop is growing, so why the delay in paying the Government establishment grant?’ asked another grower. Some of the growers present actually planted Miscanthus in 2006 in the belief that grant aid was coming down the track. They feel that there should be some help for them as they were the pioneers of the whole biomass project. ‘We were on a learning curve in 2006 and we gathered vital information and research during that year,which has enabled more successful establishment in 2007. It is only right that the Department should recognize this leap of faith and help us with those initial costs if they are serious about promoting this indigenous industry’said Ronan Madigan, one of those who planted in 2006.

J.J.Kavanagh addressed the meeting.He said he was always of the belief that there should be some support for the pioneers who planted in 2006, and that he would urge the Department to look at this issue. He also stated that he would speak to the Department about the delay in the Grant payment for 2007 to try and resolve the issue. ‘This is a fledgling industry that must be supported at all levels if it is to succeed’ he said. He also committed his support and that of the IFA in ensuring that all growers are being treated fairly by the DOA in paying the grant aid within the original agreed timetable. He went on to say that without farmers like the Miscanthus growers present leading the way the Government could forget about promoting energy crops. He also praised the growers present for their foresight in grasping a new land use and playing their part in the establishment of a renewable source of fuel that would be of benefit to everyone.