DOUBLE FUNDING AWARD FOR BICAL

Bical, Europe’s largest Miscanthus supplier has been awarded a grant from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and DEFRA grant assistance under the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Objective One Programme.

“This funding will enable Bical to undertake a feasibility study to evaluate the potential for Miscanthus production and processing in Cornwall,” explains David Croxton, Bical’s Managing Director. “Already growing trials have shown the huge potential Miscanthus could make to the UK’s commitment to produce energy from renewable sources.”

The introduction of the Government’s Energy Crops Scheme has presented farmers with the opportunity for diversification into a new crop sector. Miscanthus is considered one of the crops most commercially ready for exploitation. Run by DEFRA in partnership with the Forestry Commission, the Energy Crops Scheme offers grants (£920/ha) towards the costs of establishing Miscanthus as an energy crop.

Bical provides a high quality of service to farmers and processors worldwide. As well as supplying the Miscanthus rhizomes, Bical can assist farmers in the growing of this highly profitable crop. Support is provided for the agronomy of the crop, its maintenance and harvesting. In addition, Bical supplies contracts to buy back the crop from growers for up to fifteen years.

Established in the UK in 1998, Bical has now grown to be a multi-national company with interests in Europe.

Further information on Bical and growing Miscanthus can be found on the website: www.bical.net