The Forestry Programme afforestation target for 2017 was set at 7,140ha, which was modest and easily achievable. However, due to administrative issues and delays within the system, a lot of ground was lost during the spring programme.

2017 programme

Only approximately 4,300ha of new land is planted this year, so to achieve the target of 7,140ha for the calendar year, the sector must plant 2,840ha during November and December.

Nurseries will have plants ready to lift, grade and dispatch from the first week of November.

Logistically, the required amount of plants to fulfil this autumn target can also be delivered to all sites nationwide before we break for the Christmas period.

From talking to a wide range of foresters right across the country, they also have the necessary manpower and machinery ready, and need to deliver this programme.

The Forest Service must match the commitment of the nurseries, forestry companies, consultants and contractors to ensure this programme is delivered. A prompt application and approval process is key if the Department is to match the ambition of the sector.

The introduction of monitoring monthly figures is a huge breakthrough and will flag any problems regarding interest from land owners, applications lodged and conversion rates in both technical and financial approvals.

There must be sufficient technical and financial approvals in place ahead of the autumn programme.

2018-2020 programmes

The sector is in definite need of a lift, and if the target for 2017 is achieved, it would enthuse the industry and would get the 2018 programme off to a good start and a solid platform to achieve subsequent targets.

The real opportunity for forestry for the remainder of this programme and beyond is to increase forest cover in its traditional home of marginal land.

Large areas of land (previously unenclosed) have been reclassified recently and will now qualify for Grant Premium Category 3 (GPC3).

Since reclassification, some sites have already been planted and are showing excellent strike rates, establishment and growth.

There needs to be a proactive campaign from the Department to identify the land owners of such sites and re-educate them that the Forest Service are again “welcoming applications on land of this nature”.

Afforestation targets for the remainder of this programme are 7,205ha for 2018 and an average of 8,200ha for 2019-20. As it takes the nurseries three years to produce the plants for the sector, production is already in the ground to ensure all these targets are met for the duration of the programme, so afforestation targets are highly achievable if the will is there.

Teige Ryan is sales manager at None So Hardy Nurseries.

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