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Natural England is alerting farmers and other land managers that they need to get any application for new agreements under the current Energy Crops Scheme submitted by Saturday August 31st this year.

Applications from land managers or their agents must be in by this date for new agreements to start by the end of December 2013.

The aim of the Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) is to support the planting of miscanthus and short rotation coppice in appropriate locations.  Energy crops are used as a substitute for fossil fuels, they can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help to combat climate change.

Payments under the scheme cover 50% of the costs of establishing the crop.  ECS participants can plant in one year, or choose to phase the planting for up to three years.  Under the arrangements for the current scheme planting can be undertaken in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

If you wish to apply for the scheme, amend an existing agreement, or would like more information then please contact Natural England’s Energy Crops team on 0300 060 1624/1413, e-mail ecsenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk or visit the ECS webpages.

Comprehensive information about making an application to the Energy Crops Scheme can be found in the updated Energy Crops Scheme: Establishment Grants Handbook.

The Energy Crops Scheme was established as part of the Rural Development Programme for England, 2007-2013.  With the current RDPE drawing to a close at the end of 2013, no agreements under the current scheme can be entered into after that date

No decision has been made on how energy crops will be supported after the current scheme comes to an end.  Work is currently in progress at Government level on the development of the next Rural Development Programme.  For more information, please see the Natural England webpages that will provide updates on the transition to the next RDP.

In the meantime, Natural England is assuring Energy Crops Scheme customers that all existing agreements, along with all new agreements (that are finalised and signed before 31st December 2013), will continue until their agreed end date.

Additional notes:

1. Approved crops under the scheme are short rotation coppice (including willow, poplar, hazel, silver birch, sycamore, sweet chestnut and lime) and miscanthus (also known as Elephant Grass)

2. Payments will be made on the basis of: 50% of actual costs i.e. suppliers/materials/contractor costs and/or 50% of on-farm costs i.e. use of own labour and machinery, where applicable

3. Crops must be used for heat, combined heat and power (CHP) or power generation.  Own use is permitted.

4. Applications are subject to an environmental appraisal including a site visit

5. Energy crops plantings can be combined with Environmental Stewardship options to increase the positive contribution of the crop to the environment.

6. Payments under the scheme cover 50% of the costs of establishing the crop.  ECS participants can plant in one year, or choose to phase the planting for up to three years.  Under the arrangements for the current scheme planting can be undertaken in 2013, 2014 and 2015

7. To ensure that all final payments can be made to agreement holders before the end of 2015, all claims under the current ECS must be submitted in the autumn of 2015 at the latest.

For further information (media enquiries only) please contact:

David Hirst, Natural England press officer: david.hirst@naturalengland.org.uk
Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk
Twitter: @NaturalEngland