Forestry review to examine credits

By Pat O'Keeffe

13th Mar 2004: The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, has announced the appointment of Peter Bacon and Associates to carry out a review of strategy for the development of the forestry sector from 2004 onwards. The review will focus initially on the 1996 strategic plan ‘Growing for the Future', and will examine areas such as funding mechanisms and structures, the national and international environmental and market developments, and changes in land use which will be brought about by the Mid Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy.

Speaking in an RTE radio interview on Monday, the Minister said that funding possibilities to be examined include the emerging area of carbon credits. He added that he has suggested to Commissioner Fischler that an EU-wide review of the forestry sector be undertaken. The Bacon review will include wide stakeholder consultation and is due to be completed by September 2004.

The Minister added that there has been a huge renewal of interest in forestry following discussions on the draft detailed rules for implementation of the Single Farm Payment Entitlements. These changes, when adopted, will mean that farmers who forested land since 2000, and who declare less land in 2005, may receive their full Single Farm Payment next year.

The Minister expressed confidence that the planting target of at least 10,000 hectares in 2004 can be achieved, given the increase in exchequer funding of 31% this year which he had secured for the sector.