Department publishes mid-term review on national forestry programme
Minister Healy-Rae recently released the results of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.
Recently, the results of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 were announced.
Key highlights from the Mid-Term Review include:
- Increases to existing fencing grant rates & allowances, and agroforestry premium rates for the Afforestation Scheme;
- Increases to existing fencing rates for the Native Tree Area Scheme;
- Increases to existing fencing rates & allowances and expansion of the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme;
- Increases to existing grant rates for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot and Forest Road Schemes;
- Increases range from 10% to 20%, depending on the scheme.
Minister of state for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae, said: “I am delighted to announce the results of my department’s Mid-Term Review of our Forestry Programme.
We are now bringing in improved financial incentives, increased scheme flexibilities, and proactive training and engagement initiatives to better support farmers, landowners and foresters. These targeted interventions will allow us to build on the progress we have made over the past two years.”
Full details of the MTR and resulting changes to schemes and measures under the Forestry Programme can be found on the department website.
Additional highlights of the review included the launch of two new agroforestry pilot schemes, the Silvoarable pilot and Forest Gardening pilot, and the addition of an Alluvial Woodland option when establishing a native forest through the Afforestation Scheme.
Minister Healy-Rae continued: “The changes that are being brought in through the Mid-Term Review apply to forestry projects where the works have not yet started. These measures will remain in place for the remainder of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 term.
I am proud to be able to deliver such a wide range of really attractive supports, schemes, and financial packages, which I believe provide a wonderful incentive for farmers and landowners to get into forestry.” The minister said he would encourage all farmers and landowners to examine all of these opportunities and actively engage with forestry as a practical way to diversify their income while also contributing to biodiversity and climate goals.
Minister Healy-Rae also reviewed the farmer definition within the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 with a view to reducing administrative burden on farm families.
Now an applicant just has to pass the department’s ‘Active Farmer check’ and have received a valid payment under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) scheme before the completion of planting. The aim is to lessen the burden for applicants, whilst keeping a protective mechanism in place.
Irish Forest Owners (IFO) chairman Nicholas Sweetman has welcomed the launch of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 and encouraged all landowners, and in particular farmers, to examine the various options for afforestation that the Forestry Programme offers.
“There is a place for woodland creation, whether from a commercial or environmental standpoint, on every farm in Ireland. All in all, the review represents a very praiseworthy step forward for forest policy, which is so key to meeting Ireland’s environmental commitments,” Mr Sweetman said.
The IFO said there are several very welcome increases in grant rates and road and fencing allowances announced in the review, and many sensible adjustments to various scheme requirements.
Concluding, the IFO praised the clearly stated commitment from the Forest Service to continue to engage with stakeholders in providing training and/or clarification on issues arising from all aspects of the Forestry Programme.
