Wallace reveals forestry plan details

DETAILS of a new Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS) to encourage high-nature value forestry on Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) farms was announced yesterday by Forestry Minister Mary Wallace.

The new scheme is being brought in under the Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 and will operate on a pilot basis in 2007.

An additional premium of up to €200 per hectare for five years will be available to farmers in REPS who join FEPS and plant land in accordance with the scheme. Farmers planting under FEPS must adhere to enhanced environmental objectives.