Government policy in danger of creating ‘forestry bubble’

MACRA na Feirme has launched its afforestation policy, which outlines the concerns of young farmers and offers alternatives to the current forestry strategy being implemented by the Government.

Macra na Feirme National President Seán Finan said young farmers are concerned at the current afforestation programme and questioned ‘ the potential bubble being created by the current levels of forestry grant aid and premiums available.’

The organisation said forestry has a strong role to play in both Ireland’s economy and climate change mitigation strategy. But those present at the launch called for the current forestry programme to be re-examined, saying current grants and premiums are unsustainable and creating ‘unwarranted competition across the country for land between young farmers and a variety of enterprises.’

“We want to be clear that afforestation can help the rural economy, but only if not in direct competition with the interests of the next generation of young farmers,” Macra’s Agri Affairs Committee Vice- Chairperson Thomas Duffy said.

“At the moment we feel this is the case for land in certain parts of the country.”

The policy outlined that greater demand for land suitable for afforestation is driving up the price of land, which it said is of particular concern to young farmers dependant on access to lower-priced land.

The organisation has called for a grant aid system based on yield assessment, with land not suitable for agriculture distinguished from land that has just become neglected.

Those at the launch also heard that those afforesting their land are ‘not being properly informed’ that forestry land ‘cannot realistically ever be returned to agriculture as there is a requirement to replant.’