Recommendation 49

HM Government Acknowledged

We agree that if domestic short-rotation forestry and short-rotation coppice crops are to be upscaled they need to do so sustainably, in line with best forestry practices and that planting energy crops should not result in a reduction of domestic food production. We will be exploring these issues in depth with industry and land managers to design a sustainable, long-term approach. Government agrees with the committee that there is potential for domestic cultivation of perennial energy crops, short rotation coppice (SRC) and short rotation forestry (SRF), to contribute towards our transition to net zero. Growing biomass can also provide benefits for nature, people and the economy as well as boosting regional employment and farm diversification. The updated assessment of potential future biomass availability published in the Biomass Strategy, based on the revised UK and Global Bioenergy Resource Model, includes potential supply estimates of UK derived forestry residues, short rotation forestry and short rotation coppice. The model also allows estimation of the level of environmentally sustainable feedstock the UK could import. The estimates of UK derived forest residues were based on the Forest Research’s projections of UK forest residues. While these include the afforestation targets of the UK to 2050, future afforestation makes little difference to the availability of feedstock on that timescale. For energy crops the estimates of land area take a precautionary approach. Planting is only assumed on a limited fraction of lower quality agricultural land. This reduces the impact of biomass production displacing food crops. To reflect the land quality, low crop yields and growth rates have been assumed. Depending on the prior land use, energy crops may contribute to increased biodiversity compared to monocultural intensive grassland or crop but may not offer as significant a benefit as more biodiversity focussed land use options. Government acknowledges the value of both planting trees and protecting the food supply chain. Agriculture remains the largest land use in the UK, with an estimated 77% of the total area of the UK used for agricultural purposes, and therefore has substantial potential to contribute to the UK’s tree planting goals. Tree planting offers opportunities to diversify, generate extra income, increase farm productivity, and enhance farmland – while complementing food production. The Land Use Framework will provide further detail on how we can deliver multifunctional landscapes which ensure we meet our legally binding emissions targets.