Co-operation is key to growing a private forestry enterprise

Private forestry growers have been matching Coillte for acreage planted.

But they have one major disadvantage — private plantations average eight hectares (20 acres), ruling out economies of scale.

The route therefore was to work together to maximise cost savings, negotiate the best sale prices, and share experience and knowledge. Hence the growth of forestry groups nationwide over the last 10 years.