CRISIS-hit farmers in North Yorkshire are being urged to boost their incomes by up to £4,000 a year by giving up land for a windfarm.

The Government has unveiled a scheme in partnership with National Windpower to build a network of small wind turbines across the country.

Ministers say the project will be risk-free for the farmer because the entire cost would be funded by National Windpower.

And they say farmers will earn up to £4,000 a year - doubling their average income last year, according to National Farmers' Union figures.

The idea has been modelled on a successful scheme in Denmark, where small wind projects contribute a large share of renewable energy.

Farmers would act as "project champions" by convincing local councillors, planners and the public of the merits of the wind schemes.

But, once consent has been granted, National Windpower would buy and install the turbines and pay for operations and maintenance.

It would also be responsible for decommissioning and any repairs to the site at the end of the project, expected to last about 20 years.

Energy minister Brian Wilson said the Windworks scheme was a great opportunity for small businesses to boost wind power.

He said: "Many farmers will look with interest at the chance to create another revenue source while contributing to the drive for green energy.

"If wind energy is to reach its full potential then it is important that industry comes forward with innovative schemes such as this which not only help themselves, but also help to reduce greenhouse gases."

It is anticipated that each project would comprise up to three turbines, each generating clean electricity for about 1,000 homes.

They will help Britain achieve its target for generating ten per cent of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010.

Anybody interested in the scheme can visit the National Windpower website at: www.natwindpower.co.uk

Updated: 11:30 Thursday, August 30, 2001