Farmers urged to factor in forestry

FARMERS who participate in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) have been urged to factor forestry into their farm plan.

Minister of State Mary Wallace said REPS is encouraging an integrated approach to enhance the rural environment and promote rural development.

Earlier this year, she introduced a companion measure, the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS), targeted directly at REPS farmers.

“FEPS is designed to encourage the establishment of high-nature-value woodlands on REPS farms, a new type of forestry which combines a high environmental contribution with strong economic potential,” she said.