The forestry sector is in line for an €8m boost following a major review of the forestry programme.
The Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme will see a 10-20% increase in the level of funding for fencing and roads, deliver a 20% lift to the agroforestry premium to €1,170/ha, and simplify scheme applications.
The measures included in the review will be worth an additional €4 million a year over the next two years.
“We are now bringing in improved financial incentives, increased scheme flexibilities, and proactive training and engagement initiatives to better support farmers, landowners and foresters,” said the Minister for State with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae.
Among the changes announced in the review this week were:
An increase in the premium rate for agroforestry to €1,170/ha.A 10% increase in the Afforestation Scheme Fencing grant rates. Forest Roads Scheme grants to increase from €55/m to €66/m.The Afforestation Scheme Fencing allowances to be increased by 20%.The Engineering Support Grant to increase to €1,500 from €1,000. A 20% lift in the grant rates for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme.The new measures have been welcomed by both IFA and the Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA).
“We are pleased to see a review that includes measures people can actually use. The increase in the agroforestry premium, the stronger forest road support and the commitment to make schemes easier to navigate are all steps in the right direction,” said Teige Ryan of SEEFA.
“The financial and administrative changes announced will provide greater support and clarity for farmers,” said IFA forestry chair Padraig Stapleton.
“In particular, the 20% increase in the grant rate under the Forest Roads Scheme – from €55/m to €66/m – is a positive step.
“The increase in the Engineering Design Support measure from €1,000 to €1,500 is also very important in helping farmers develop the essential infrastructure needed to access and actively manage their forests,” he added.
The forestry sector is in line for an €8m boost following a major review of the forestry programme.
The Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme will see a 10-20% increase in the level of funding for fencing and roads, deliver a 20% lift to the agroforestry premium to €1,170/ha, and simplify scheme applications.
The measures included in the review will be worth an additional €4 million a year over the next two years.
“We are now bringing in improved financial incentives, increased scheme flexibilities, and proactive training and engagement initiatives to better support farmers, landowners and foresters,” said the Minister for State with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae.
Among the changes announced in the review this week were:
An increase in the premium rate for agroforestry to €1,170/ha.A 10% increase in the Afforestation Scheme Fencing grant rates. Forest Roads Scheme grants to increase from €55/m to €66/m.The Afforestation Scheme Fencing allowances to be increased by 20%.The Engineering Support Grant to increase to €1,500 from €1,000. A 20% lift in the grant rates for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme.The new measures have been welcomed by both IFA and the Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA).
“We are pleased to see a review that includes measures people can actually use. The increase in the agroforestry premium, the stronger forest road support and the commitment to make schemes easier to navigate are all steps in the right direction,” said Teige Ryan of SEEFA.
“The financial and administrative changes announced will provide greater support and clarity for farmers,” said IFA forestry chair Padraig Stapleton.
“In particular, the 20% increase in the grant rate under the Forest Roads Scheme – from €55/m to €66/m – is a positive step.
“The increase in the Engineering Design Support measure from €1,000 to €1,500 is also very important in helping farmers develop the essential infrastructure needed to access and actively manage their forests,” he added.
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