Woodchip bonus for forestries

THE sale of woodchip as a fuel can make it more economical for farmers to manage their forestry plantations to the highest standards.

Forestry Minister Mary Wallace declared at a demonstration of wood chipping machinery at a Bord na Móna forest site at Boora, Co Offaly, that farmers can provide outlets in local areas for the timber produced, particularly in places that are not near the panel board factories.

Ms Wallace said with the development of a real market for wood energy, a new and significant alternative source of income is emerging for farmers and landowners.