As revealed in last week's Irish Farmers Journal, the mid-term review of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 has resulted in increases to forestry grants and premiums from this year, with the most generous jumps targeted at broadleaves and agroforestry.

The review highlights the need to support these types of plantings and afforestation in general as they have been falling behind targets. The document indicates that increased payments are estimated to cost €15.7m over the last three years of the programme, after a €22m underspend in the past three years.

The increases in maximum grant rates are partly accounted for a €100/ha increase in the allocation for the use of IS436-standard deer fencing. The maximum amount of such fence eligible to the scheme is also going up from 120m/ha to 140m/ha. Other types of tree shelters are expected to receive increased funding.

The biggest increase in premiums is for agroforestry projects incorporating trees into traditional farmland such as pastures. Such plantations will also become eligible for thinning and maintenance grants under the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS).

WIS eligibility is being broadened to cover all existing broadleaf forests meeting set criteria. The scheme will now offer a grant of €500/ha for second thinnings.

The Forest Road Scheme is also being improved to cover road density of 25m/ha instead of 20m/ha previously.

Afforestation at 23-year low

Ireland falling behind broadleaf forestry planting targets

€15.7m boost for forestry payments

The Government has approved increases of up to 7% in supports for farmers and landowners who plant forestry on their land. We reveal the new payment rates.