Energy Crops Scheme Technical Training Day - Penrith, Cumbria

THIS free event will focus on the technical aspects of growing the energy crops Miscanthus and SRC Willow and will also cover the Energy Crops Scheme, which provides grants towards the costs of planting and establishment.

The NNFCC has been commissioned by DECC to hold a series of regional, independent, technical training days for farmers and landowners interested in growing energy crops. This is the North West event.

There is one event per region from February to April 2010. These one day events will run from 9-30am to 4pm. The morning will include a series of presentations on; 

- Agronomy – would energy crops suit your land and farming system?
- Economics – how would the economics compare to other enterprises?
- Energy Crops Scheme – eligibility and application process
- Market situation – current and future situation, growing confidence
- End-uses – what are the options to use on farm, or to sell elsewhere?

There will be a ‘meet the buyer’ exhibition over lunch, as well as an opportunity for one-to-one clinics to run through the economics and how they would look on your farm. The afternoon will include a site visit to an existing grower’s farm and an opportunity to discuss the crop and their experience first-hand.

Why should you attend?

- Demand for biomass for heat and power is increasing
- Energy Crops give a better return than arable crops on Grade 2 / 3 land
- They have a more stable farm-gate price than arable crops
- They can be less intensively managed with low inputs

To book a place

Visit NNFCC.co.uk via this link or contact Tim Evans.