Foliage set to double
Forest Produce Ltd in Co Kerry has added 100 acres in counties Waterford, Cork and Wexford to its plantings in the last few years. This brings their acreage for export to around 350 acres.
The farm gate value of foliage has reached €2.5m, with 70% going to the UK and 20% to Holland.
The home market takes about 10% of production.
Teagasc is carrying out tests to select and determine the suitability of new types of foliage required as new colours, textures and scents become fashionable.
Species such as rhododendron, birch, pine and noble fir, currently account for nearly half of the overall value of the market, with decorative eucalyptus and pittosporum also in strong demand.
Under a new financial arrangement, Forest Products Ltd will agree with land owners to establish plantations at a cost of €1,500 per acre, with the company licenced to maintain and harvest the crop, giving a fixed return of €440 per acre per annum, for a net return of around €300 to the landowner over the 10-year contract period.
In addition, land owners can become involved in managing and harvesting the crop, for which they will be paid.
Growers in the south of Ireland enjoy a climatic advantage for popular foliages which cannot be grown in most of mainland Europe.
