I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 530 together.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) supports research into projects in biofuel and biomass through the Research Stimulus Fund Programme. The Programme facilitates research that supports sustainable and competitive agricultural production practices and policies and contributes to a scientific research capability in the agriculture sector. Under Stimulus Calls in 2005, 2006 and 2007, 13 projects relating directly to biofuels and energy crops were awarded total grant assistance of almost € 6.4 million.
In February 2007, DAFF launched a new Bioenergy Scheme to provide 50% establishment grants to farmers to grow miscanthus and willow, subject to a maximum payment of €1,450 per hectare. In addition to establishment grants, farmers who grow willow and miscanthus qualify for the following aid.
The EU Energy Crops Scheme premium (up to €45 per hectare) and the national top- up payment of €80 per hectare. An adjusted REPS 3 payment of €155 per hectare increasing to €189 per hectare in REPS 4, subject to a maximum of 10 hectares per applicant or 25% of the holding, whichever is greater.
Disadvantaged Area Scheme (DAS) payments may be claimed on lands used for the cultivation of energy crops subject to a maximum of 10 hectares per holding. Farmers can qualify for a DAS payment, by way of an adjusted rate of grant consisting of the appropriate DAS amount less the EU Premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. The scheme was well received. The response from growers has been positive with 800 hectares planted in 2007. A further 1,200 hectares were granted pre-planting approval in 2008.