This scheme provides grants to farmers, foresters and businesses in England to help develop the supply chain for woodfuel, energy crops and straw.

Grants are available for capital equipment including the purchase of specialist equipment for tasks such as harvesting, processing, QA and handling, purchase of storage and hard standing and for training.

Grants are also available to set up producer groups, including legal and administrative costs, rental of office accommodation and purchase of office equipment.

Maximum grants are £200,000 per producer group, with different levels of support for different components.

A new application round, for England only, has been announced (23rd Nov 2009) by DECC and applications are now being accepted. Applications to be received by 26th Feb 2010.

Application forms, guidance and all information about the Scheme are available from TUV-NEL: