Check out forestry options at dedicated clinics

Teagasc is rolling out a nationwide series of forestry advisory clinics this month, reports

TEAGASC will introduce regular nationwide series of Forestry Advisory Clinics throughout 2017 to facilitate as many farmers and other landowners as possible.

The first series of these clinics will take place between 9 and 18 January promoting the establishment of forestry as a sustainable and rewarding land use on Irish farms.

Forestry offers many advantages to farmers.

For instance, farm forestry is one of the few economically attractive farm enterprises that can mitigate against the effects of on-farm greenhouse gas emissions.

These clinics will be held in Teagasc offices around the country on specific dates, from 10 am to 4 pm each day, where a one-to one consultation with an experienced forestry adviser can be arranged by appointment.

The Forestry Programme offers landowners and existing forest owners many options in relation to forest establishment with a range of attractive grants and annual premium categories available.

A land use change to forestry, like any new farm enterprise, will raise many questions. A consultation with your Teagasc forestry adviser will provide independent and objective advice, empowering you to make informed decisions on many relevant issues including the following: ÷Opportunities for farmers and other landowners under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 ÷Available grants and premiums ÷Interaction with other farm schemes, e.g. BPS, GLAS, etc. ÷How forestry can improve farm income and the environment ÷How to apply and get the job done right first time Harvesting and timber sales The forestry programme also offers landowners, who are not farming, the opportunity to avail of the same annual planting premiums as farmers.

Although the emphasis for the upcoming clinics is on new planting, existing forest owners, –regardless of what stage their forest is at –can also avail of this opportunity to pick up valuable management tips.

Prior booking of a one to one forestry consultation is essential. To book your free consultation, check out the contact details (opposite). Please bring maps and other relevant information on the day to optimise the advisory experience and outcome.

LANDOWNERS WHO ARE NOT FARMING NOW HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO AVAIL OF THE SAME ANNUAL PREMIUMS AS FARMERS