Jackson welcomes EU approval of forestry schemes

By Donal Magner

IFA Farm Forestry Chairman, John Jackson has welcomed the decision by the European Commission to allow the Irish Government to invest national aid in excess of €900m in the forestry programme over the next seven years.

He said he was delighted with the news and while he didn't have the full details of the package, he said that the new programme would provide "100% grants for afforestation, and FEPS and it is likely that essential support measures such as grants for shaping, pruning and thinning as well as forest road construction would be approved in the coming week.''

The 100% grants, increased premiums over 20 years, FEPS and a range of support measures represent a dramatic improvement on the original EU offer of 40% grant aid and 10 year premiums. John Jackson said that "Ministers Coughlan and Wallace and their officials have achieved a good deal and I hope that this is a clear signal of the Government's commitment to forestry.''

"The 15% increase in premiums and the introduction of the new FEPS Scheme, together with the concession on Single Farm Payment consolidation, has combined to make forestry a very attractive option. Timber prices have increased by at least 15% on last year's prices and the energy market is really taking off. I would urge all farmers to seriously consider forestry now.''

John Jackson said: "A lot of effort was invested in getting our programme approved so it is essential now that farmers take up the money that has been secured.'' He called on Minister Wallace to reinstate the essential management supports that have been suspended since January, pending approval of the programme, immediately.

Farmers have been putting off some management while the grants were not available.

He also asked the minister to get the new schemes that have been approved, such as the FEPS enhancement measure for improving the environmental benefits of older plantations, up and running as soon as possible, as many farmers have been waiting for months to apply for these schemes.

A spokesperson for the forestry companies congratulated the Minister and her officials and said that this news was the fillip the sector needed.

However, he said that it should be backed up with a strong promotional campaign and the resources should be provided to the Forest Service to issue approvals within weeks rather than months.