New forestry plantings are on track to hit their highest level this decade, according to the latest Department of Agriculture figures. The latest data from the Department’s dashboard confirms that planting levels so far this year have reached 1,662ha.
These figures are based on afforestation that has been paid at the first grant stage up to July 18. This means that planting so far this year has already eclipsed the planting totals of 2023 and 2024, when 1,652ha and 1,573ha were afforested.
However, suggestions that overall plantings this year could top 3,000ha have been questioned by industry players who point out that there are realistically only two further months of planting in 2025. Those planting on the ground estimate that overall plantings will likely be 2,400-2,500ha.
This will still be a 50% improvement on the last two years, and get the sector back to 2020 planting levels.
“While this is still some way off the 8,000ha that is required to meet the country’s planting target, it is a sure sign of progress, and we encourage the Department to continue building with the input of the private sector,” a The Social Economic and Environmental Forestry Association spokesperson said.
However it cautioned that the bounce in planting levels must be maintained into 2026.
“Licensing remains low, and if we are to maintain the growth in planting, the Government must address this issue soon.”
New forestry plantings are on track to hit their highest level this decade, according to the latest Department of Agriculture figures. The latest data from the Department’s dashboard confirms that planting levels so far this year have reached 1,662ha.
These figures are based on afforestation that has been paid at the first grant stage up to July 18. This means that planting so far this year has already eclipsed the planting totals of 2023 and 2024, when 1,652ha and 1,573ha were afforested.
However, suggestions that overall plantings this year could top 3,000ha have been questioned by industry players who point out that there are realistically only two further months of planting in 2025. Those planting on the ground estimate that overall plantings will likely be 2,400-2,500ha.
This will still be a 50% improvement on the last two years, and get the sector back to 2020 planting levels.
“While this is still some way off the 8,000ha that is required to meet the country’s planting target, it is a sure sign of progress, and we encourage the Department to continue building with the input of the private sector,” a The Social Economic and Environmental Forestry Association spokesperson said.
However it cautioned that the bounce in planting levels must be maintained into 2026.
“Licensing remains low, and if we are to maintain the growth in planting, the Government must address this issue soon.”
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