IFA: Planting rate must increase by 320% to meet forest cover target

THE Government has been urged to allocate additional funding to the forestry programme if it is genuine about achieving targets.

According to the Irish Farmers’ Association, the annual planting rate needs to increase by 320% if the target of 17% forest cover by 2030 outlined in the Renewed Programme for Government is to be achieved.

IFA Farm Forestry chairman Pat Hennessy said an annual afforestation rate of 20,000 hectares is required if the target is to be reached in the next 20 years.

“With the current insecurity in the forestry programme, particularly in relation to premiums and the breakdown of trust between farmer and Government, it is impossible to see this target being achieved,” said Mr Hennessy, adding that the IFA has received no response to a proposal on the deferred payment of the 8% premium cut or assurances that forest premiums will not be cut further in the budget.

“Although the afforestation rate increased in 2009, after almost a decade of declining planting rates, it does not represent a shift in the mindset of many farmers to forestry, but is rather a result of the economic downturn,” he said.

“With farmers having difficulty getting finance and low commodity prices, forestry is an attractive option which allows farmers to offset some of the risk and provide an annual income.”

Mr Hennessy said the cuts imposed in 2009 demonstrate that contracts can be changed at the discretion of Government without regard to farmers.

Commitments to farmers must be honoured and farmer confidence restored by accepting the IFA proposal to pay the 8% premium cut as deferred payment, he said.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s Michael Creed has asked Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith how he proposes to meet targets for afforestation and commitments in the forestry area outlined in the Revised Programme for Government. He also asked if the minister will review cutbacks in the forestry sector introduced in 2009.

In a written Dáil reply Mr Smith said under the New Programme for Government he is committed to reviewing state forestry policy.

“I intend to begin this work as soon as possible,” he said, adding that he is examining the allocation of resources and funding in preparation for the 2010 estimate for his department.