Farmers urged to consider forestry

MORE than 40,000 farmers are being encouraged to convert part of their land to forestry to boost their incomes and rural employment, under a new campaign launched today.

The National Forest Strategy is aiming to cover 17% of the Republic with forest by 2030 as Ireland currently has the lowest level of forestry among the 25 EU States.

Mary Wallace, Minister of State for Forestry, said: “While forest cover has increased substantially over the past 15 years, Ireland still has the lowest level of forestry in the 25 EU member states.

“Just 10% of our land area is under trees, compared to 38% for the EU as a whole. The National Forest Strategy has set a target of 17% forest cover by 2030 and this campaign aims to re-invigorate planting in order to ensure that this target is met.”

Ms Wallace said the campaign was particularly aimed at low-income drystock farmers, part-time farmers and those who have low Single Farm Payment entitlements.

The minister said concessions allowing farmers to plant up to 50% of their farms while still retaining their full EU Single Farm Payment offered people an opportunity to significantly boost their income.

“A unique advantage of forestry is that the entire cost of planting is covered by state grants. There are also grants to cover pruning, shaping and forest roads as well as annual premiums of up to €499 per hectare, tax-free,” she said.

Ms Wallace said the timber crop can yield €15,000 a hectare tax-free.

“Few other land uses offer such a return, making forestry a ‘must-consider’ option,” she said.