Farmers will be paid €1,100/ha to plant native trees on their farm as part of a new initiative announced by the Government.

The new forestry programme, worth €1.3m, is the largest ever investment in tree-planting by an Irish Government.

Farmers who want to apply will see an increase in payments of between 46% and 66% and will receive a once-off grant payment of €6,744/ha. The new payment period is also set to rise from 15 years to 20 years.

Farmers who want to sow small areas of trees on their farm can avail of a new one-hectare Irish native tree scheme.

Ireland’s current target to plant 8,000ha of forestry every year is not being met and there is a big push now to plant trees.

Minister of State with responsibility for forestry Pippa Hackett said that planting trees is one of the most effective methods of tackling climate change. It also leads to better biodiversity and improved water quality.

According to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, the new tree planting programme will drive a new and brighter future for forestry, farmers and for our climate.