Farmers 'no longer view forestry as a safe investment' says new IFA chairman
"New measures and a review of policy are needed to reverse the decline in afforestation; to de-risk the investment; and restore confidence while ensuring a balanced regional spread of forestry."
Many farmers "no longer view forestry as a safe investment", the Irish Farmers' Association's new forestry chairman has warned.
Padraig Stapleton from Upperchurch in North Tipperary has been elected to the role this week, succeeding Jason Fleming.
"The risks associated with committing their land in perpetuity have become too great," Mr Stapleton said, acknowledging the challenges that face him in his new role.
"New measures and a review of policy are needed to reverse the decline in afforestation; to de-risk the investment; and restore confidence while ensuring a balanced regional spread of forestry."
He said that the new Ash Dieback Reconstitution Scheme is an "improvement from earlier iterations of the scheme". However, "further improvements are required", particularly around the clearance grant.
“Although there have been improvements in the turnaround times for licences, the conditions being attached in some instances are making operations completely unworkable," Mr Stapleton said.
"They are having a significant impact on costs, and therefore the viability of forests, particularly smaller farm forests."
