Forest owners told of research Genesis project to grow profits

NINETY forest owners from Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford gathered in the JFK Arboretum near New Ross for a wood producer event.

The day started with a forest walk with JFK Head Gardener Kevin Naughton, who led the group to the Sitka Spruce provenances.

Kevin spoke of the extent of genetic variation in the 80 provenances showing its entire natural range, from Alaska to California.

Kevin also mentioned a new research project called Genesis which aims to increase the productivity and economic value of timber from Irish forests.

DNA-based tools will be used for DNA fingerprinting and guiding crossing decisions for the development of the next generation of improved trees.

This research also hopes to identify superior trees at an early age that can utilise resources more efficiently, have greater recovery and have increased added value at the forest and processing stage.

John Casey from Teagasc then delivered a presentation on the development of forestry in Ireland from the 1600s to present day. He talked about historical markets, harvesting methods, historical sustainable and unsustainable forest management practices and multifunctional benefits of forestry in Ireland.

Andy Walsh of Husqvarna spoke about general health and safety, the personal protection equipment necessary for chainsaw use, demonstrated the impact of a running saw on compliant trousers and gave a number of demonstrations on sharpening a saw.

Producer Group Chairman Anthony Browne thanked the Arboretum for facilitating the group and all the organisations represented at the event, namely: the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc Forestry, Waterford Institute of Technology, Wood Marketing Federation, Murray Timber Group, Laois Sawmills, None So Hardy, Doyle Harvesting, Roland Forestry and Husqvarna.

The event was one of a series of forestry events taking place this year being organised by Irish Wood producers with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Thomas Quinlan, Kilmacow and Paddy Gaule, Mullinavat..

Ann Prendergast, Graiguenamanagh, James O’Rourke, Husquvarna and David Hughes, Graiguenamanagh.

William Considine, Duncormick, Terry McCabe, Wexford and Mary Murphy, Tomhaggard.

Edmond O’Byrne, Bridgetown, Liam O’Byrne, Kilrane and JJ Kavanagh, IFA.

James Power, Tramore and Dan Galavan, St.Mullins.

Davie Thompson, Tipperary and Martin Morrissey, VPlant Construction, Derrygrath lower, Tipperary.

Mick Gannon, New Ross and Seamus Kane, Whitechurch.