Delay in forestry programme approval 'has taken a toll on the sector'
The Interim Afforestation Scheme (via general de minimis) is open but only to farmers that hold a valid technical approval as of December 31, 2022, who had not commenced work on planting.
The delay in getting approval for a new forestry programme "has taken its toll on the sector", according to the Irish Farmers' Association, "as farmers that do not hold technical approval cannot apply to plant".
Ireland's Forestry Programme 2023 to 2027 has been formally submitted to the European Commission for state aid approval, "but the waiting game continues", IFA national farm forestry chairman Jason Fleming said this week.
