February 13th 1999

Changes likely in farm forestry premium

By Hugh Scanlan

THE Forest Service is actively looking at possible changes to the qualifying criteria for the farmer rate of forestry premium payments, which should make it easier for part time farmers to qualify.

The current system gives rise to major administrative problems and it is hoped that the changes will release a significant amount of additional land for planting.

The Minister with responsibility for forestry, Hugh Byrne, indicated strong support for this change at the recent launch of a forestry discussion group initiative, by the Forestry Development Association (FDA), at Ballinaboola, Co Wexford.

25% income threshold a disincentive

Under the current regulations, the higher rate of premium payments is only available to those who can prove that they earned at least 25 per cent of their income from farming, in one of the three years prior to applying.

The administration involved in operating this system is cumbersome and the requirement to get certification from the Revenue Commissioners is seen to act as a disincentive for many small landowners.

I understand that one alternative being considered is that a landowner, with off-farm earnings that do not exceed the average industrial wage (£15,540 in 1998), could qualify for the farmer rate of premium.

Any changes in this regulation will require clearance from Brussels and it is unlikely that it will be in operation before the beginning of next year.

A helping hand for farm forestry

A farm forestry discussion group, probably based in New Ross, will be set up in the near future and it is likely that two further ones will follow, one servicing Waterford, east Cork and south Tipperary and the other south Wicklow, north Wexford and Carlow.

These groups will be set up under the umbrella of the Dungarvan based FDA, which was established last year as a joint venture between the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) and the Avonmore Waterford Group, with the primary objective of supporting and stimulating farm forestry.

Noel Kennedy, forestry adviser to the FDA, told the meeting that this part of the country is characterised by the large number of small, fragmented plantations, typically running to 15 - 17 acres, many of which have very poor access.

The fertility of the land planted has improved significantly but this, in turn, puts increased pressure on vegetation control and forest management, in general.

Very few long term management contracts have been signed, suggesting that farmers are closing the gate after the final inspection, at year four, leading to the inevitable production of poor quality timber.

It was against this background that the FDA was established to provide independent professional support to the farm forester. For an annual fee of £45 a farmer with up to 20 hectares (50 acres) planted, gets the basic advisory package which includes;

A free advisory visit each year

The forester will provide a detailed report on the progress of the site with recommendations for works required to be carried out during the following 12 - 18 months.

Notifications of meetings and field days being organised by FDA, ITGA, Teagasc, the Forest Service, etc.

A copy of the ITGA forestry yearbook, each year.

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