What is required to ensure tree planting programme succeeds?

Newly planted woodland area with young saplings with protective collars. Picture: John Gollop/iStock/Getty Images

The recent announcement of a 66% increase in forestry premiums represents a step change in the economics of woodland creation in Ireland, finally offering a genuine financial case for bringing trees back to farms. However, we also know forestry is a major decision for the farmer. Money alone won’t convince many. So, what else is required?

Firstly, the state must rebuild its damaged relationship with farmers. Going forward farmers must have faith they are dealing with an efficient and dependable interlocutor. I believe a one-stop well-resourced national forestry agency dealing with licencing, and communications promotion needs to be put in place to achieve this. The same agency should be tasked with improving the schemes offered to farmers so that they are suited to different farm systems and have a level of flexibility built in.