Some 357 non-farmers were involved in planting schemes under the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Programme 2014 to 2020, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed.

Responding to a parliamentary question from Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill this week, he revealed that 652 farmers were also involved in planting schemes.

The figures also show that the number of farmers in planting schemes in the programme have gone down since 2014.

In 2014 there was 950 farmers enrolled in planting schemes, compared to 49 non-farmers. In 2015, the data shows that there was 852 farmers involved in such schemes and 130 non-farmers.

Minister Creed said: “It should be noted that the non-farmer category is primarily made up of recently retired farmers or the family members of the landowner in question.

“On that basis I am satisfied that the vast bulk of the investment under the programme is delivered to, and remains in, rural Ireland.”

Read more

’Malting barley pays less than forestry’

Forestry planting to reach 60 year low amid rules row