Expanding the Miscanthus market in the UK: Growers in profile and experience, benefits and drawbacks of the bioenergy crop

To achieve net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050 as set out by the 2019
amendment to the 2008 UK Climate Change Act, a major shift towards
renewable energy is needed. This includes the development of new methods
along with improving and upscaling existing technologies. One example of
new methods in bioenergy is developing new Miscanthus cultivars for
electricity generation via thermal power station furnaces. Miscanthus is
still relatively new compared to other agriculture practices, so market
assessments and improvements are needed to reduce the barriers of entry
for prospective growers. This publication provides a profile of UK
Miscanthus growers and their businesses, their experiences of benefits and
drawbacks of the crop, and what they see as potential barriers to entry
for prospective farmers. A survey of current Miscanthus growers in England
and Wales was conducted and indicated that most farmers were content with
the crop and that its environmental and economic benefits were noted.
However, it was evident that with a geographically limited UK market,
growers wanted to see a better distribution of biomass processing stations
to reduce the ongoing costs of transport. With growing demand for
renewables, including bio-energy sources, it was determined important to
provide information and support for stable farming operations and to
incentivise the adoption of Miscanthus. Such incentives include ongoing
development of new cultivars, focussing on traits such as production
potential and stressor resilience, and growers indicated preference for an
annual planting grant. These developments are predicted to further improve
the crop’s profit margin, making it a more cost-effective crop for
farmers. Sensitively managed Miscanthus also has the potential to
contribute to carbon sequestration, soil health and aspects of farmland
biodiversity. Incentivising such management in government land-based
environmental schemes would offer additional income streams and help to
promote environmental positive crop planting.