Natural England - Energy Crops Scheme
Energy Crops Scheme
The Energy Crops Scheme aims to increase the amount of energy crops grown in England in appropriate locations. It offers grants to farmers in England for the establishment of miscanthus and short rotation coppice.
These crops are used as a substitute for fossil fuels, so they can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help to combat climate change.
The scheme, part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), is funded by the European Union, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The RDPE was agreed by the European Commission on 6 December 2007.
Latest news
Natural England are pleased to announce that the European Union have now confirmed that the rate of grant offered to farmers to grow biomass crops (Miscanthus and Short Rotation Coppice) under the Energy Crop Scheme has been increased to 50% (from 40%), for all costs incurred after the 1st January 2010. For full details of which costs are eligible, please contact us.
Forthcoming training events
Energy Crops technical training days 
Application form and guidance documents
- Energy Crops - a growing opportunity
- Energy Crops Scheme: Establishment Grants Handbook - 3rd edition
- Guidance on the provision of an Energy Crops Scheme application map
- Application form
- Agents authorisation form : To be completed by applicants who wish to authorise an agent to act on their behalf.
- Landlords consent form : If you are a tenant, you must use this form to inform your landlord that you intend to make an application and to obtain your landlord's consent.
- Organisations operating within the Energy Crop Sector
Information on establishing energy crops
- Opportunities and optimum sitings for energy crops
- Growing Short Rotation Coppice
- Planting and Growing Miscanthus
How to apply
To apply for the Energy Crops Scheme please contact:
Natural England, PO Box 530, Worcester WR5 2WZ
Tel: 0300 060 1115
Fax: 0300 060 1125
Email: iss.westmidlands@naturalengland.org.uk
Technical queries
For technical queries about the scheme please contact:
Natural England, Energy Crop Scheme, Alverton Court, Crosby Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1AD
Tel: 0300 060 2045
Email: ecsqueries@naturalengland.org.uk
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Related articles
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Biomass Energy Centre
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Business Link - Funding
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Defra: Energy crops
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Department of Energy and Climate Change
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Establishment and management of short rotation coppice (Forestry Commission)
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EU's Rural Development Policy
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National Non-Food Crop Centre
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Short rotation coppice in the landscape (Forestry Commission)