Forest drive poses major decisions for landowners

Over 1,300 recently attended nationwide information meetings on the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, organised by Teagasc in association with the Forest Service.

They heard details of the new forest establishment and support grants. Fifteen annual premium payments of over €500 per hectare for conifers and €600 per ha for broadleaves are on offer, and it will be possible for most farmers availing of these to hold on to their Basic Payments.

In most cases, all costs for establishment of the crop in the early years are covered by an afforestation grant.