Forestry offers a viable alternative income stream to farmers, according to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fianna Fáil’s agriculture spokesman Charlie McConalogue TD asked Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed whether greater demand for land suitable for afforestation was driving up the price of land in some areas, and the consequences for young farmers trying to access land.
“Forestry may be one of many factors which can influence movements in land prices,” Minister Creed replied. He cited other factors including regional variations in supply and demand and individual circumstances including the sale of land seen as marginal for agriculture and restructuring of farm holdings following retirement, death or inheritance.
Complexity
ADVERTISEMENT
“The perceived link between afforestation grants, premium rates and movement in land prices overlooks the complexity that exists within the land market,” the minister said, arguing that non-farmer investors do not account for a significant portion of new forestry planting – “although it is increasing”.
“For farmers, forestry offers a viable alternative enterprise which allows them to diversify their income stream away from volatile agricultural markets and towards the more stable timber market and for this reason the supports offered by the State are very much welcomed,” Minister Creed added.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Fianna Fáil’s agriculture spokesman Charlie McConalogue TD asked Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed whether greater demand for land suitable for afforestation was driving up the price of land in some areas, and the consequences for young farmers trying to access land.
“Forestry may be one of many factors which can influence movements in land prices,” Minister Creed replied. He cited other factors including regional variations in supply and demand and individual circumstances including the sale of land seen as marginal for agriculture and restructuring of farm holdings following retirement, death or inheritance.
Complexity
“The perceived link between afforestation grants, premium rates and movement in land prices overlooks the complexity that exists within the land market,” the minister said, arguing that non-farmer investors do not account for a significant portion of new forestry planting – “although it is increasing”.
“For farmers, forestry offers a viable alternative enterprise which allows them to diversify their income stream away from volatile agricultural markets and towards the more stable timber market and for this reason the supports offered by the State are very much welcomed,” Minister Creed added.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS