Poplar Trees could be a great alternative crop and provide a long term return. There are also grants available for planting the trees and then on-going payments for the first 10 years. You can either apply directly with The Department for Food and Rural Affairs, or you can go through a company who specialises in the industry.One such company i’ve found is The Poplar Tree Company.

“This unique opportunity for poplar growers allows the landowner to enter into a 10-year joint venture partnership with the Poplar Tree Company. Both parties share the work and income from the grants, the landowner is assured a quality crop.

Poplar Tree Company obligations:

Mark out site, supply and plant 1.5m poplar sets at 5m x 5m spacing, fix 75cm spiral guards
Spray for 4 years, replace losses as necessary
Prune for 10 years to a minimum height of 5m
Annual inspection for 10 years

PTC payment:

£700/ha as a single payment from the Special Broadleaved Woodland Grant
£75/ha for 10 years from the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme

Owner’s obligations:

Allow PTC access to the site
Control deer and hares and exclude livestock as necessary
Mow between the trees

Owners payment:

Farm Woodland Premium payments for 10 years, less £75/ha/year;
Arable land £300 - £75 = £225/ha/year
Other improved land £260 - £75 = £185/ha/year (different rates apply in less favoured areas).

Final crop of timber at year 20, approximately 400 cubic.metres /ha at a standing value of approximately £15/cubic.metre = £6000/ha nett value (tax free)

PTC will consider managing the crop after 10 years for an interest in the final crop. Other payments may be available following discussion with PTC.”

Other Good Reasons to Plant Poplar Trees:

1. The provide great shelter for crops
2. Visual screening
3. Free range hens like the tree cover apparently, so this could be a good industry to run alongside.
4. Biomass fuels, with advances in technologies and the dwindling supply of traditional fuel sources.