ONE of the first biomass plants to be commissioned in the UK is expected to be set up in the Leominster, Tenbury and Ludlow triangle during 2005.

The privately-owned unit is being planned to give a combined heat and power use of 100 kilowatts and will be followed by at least two other larger power plants in the region.

John Amos of land agents John Amos and Company of Broad Street, Leominster, said: "After much hard work, it is fantastic to see biomass projects throughout the UK starting to come to fruition.

"We are delighted not only to be able to host this 100-kilowatt unit on our doorstep, but are in deep negotiations with at least two other power plants of a larger scale in the region, both of which we anticipate will come on line in the next 12 months."

Mr Amos, who is at the forefront of efforts to develop the biomass industry in the area, is now looking for growers prepared to commit between ten to 20 acres for growing miscanthus.

The crop is more commonly known as elephant grass, and should be planted either next year or during 2006.

"We are now in a position where we are avidly looking for growers.''

Mr Amos added: "With the change of circumstances under the Mid-Term Review and the Single Farm Payment, we believe that every farmer growing arable crops should now be looking at the possibilities of growing biomass as part of the medley of production for the future."

Mr Amos' company will be holding further evening meetings, open days and crop demonstrations throughout next year to encourage farmers in the area to register an interest in the project.

To register an interest or obtain information, growers can contact Richard Collins by telephone on 01568 610007, e-mail richard@johnamos.co.uk or fax Richard on 01568 611555.