Farmers could gain lucrative income under National Biomethane Strategy – McConalogue

Farmers could gain a potentially lucrative income by signing up to the State's new biomethane initiative, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has said.

The National Biomethane Strategy, which puts forward plans for the production of zero-carbon, home-grown gas, will be brought to the Cabinet on Tuesday by Mr McConalogue and Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan.

Under the scheme, farmers will be able to receive additional income by supplying grass and slurry needed for the production of biomethane.

Ahead of the publication of the plan on Tuesday afternoon, Mr McConaglue said he believes there is a "huge appetite" for such an initiative.

"I think it's really important today, when we release the biomethane strategy, that it brings clarity in terms of the policy environment in which the sector will work.

"We have seen that a number have moved, and more are ready to move, and the €40 million I'm bringing to the table from my department will help incentivise those early movers and to build some critical mass."