€106m -Farmers Win Big with Forestry Mid Term Review Boost

THE Government has continued to give their full backing to an ever growing Forestry Sector with a focus on achieving another 6,600 ha this year.

2018 will see continued major investment in forestry with an allocation of €106m (including a capital carryover) available for forestry development during 2018. Welcoming the announcement Minister Andrew Doyle said “This allocation is evidence of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a successful afforestation programme and supporting the further development of the sector in line with the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020. This allocation will allow for the planting over 6,600 new hectares of forests this year and is in fact an increase in the budget over what was spent in the last three years. This funding recognises the potential role of forestry in helping to achieve the targets set for climate change mitigation”.

Making a living from agriculture is becoming increasingly difficult as our climate is getting wetter and wetter making it increasingly difficult to produce crops or rear livestock on land better suited to commercial forestry.

Forestry is now well-recognised as an alternative or supplementary land use for farmers to generate income from their farms. Veon Ltd is Ireland’s leading forest establishment and management company with 40,000 acres of forest under their expert care.

Veon carries out every forest operation from planting to harvesting and replanting. This work is carried out for all types of land owners all over Ireland, farmers, estate owners and investors.

Veon’s dedicated team can usually get a three month turn around for any farmer/land owner who is considering planting. This will enable the com- mitted land owners to plant their land and draw down their premiums in this year’s growing season.

Veon also ensures that your forest is established to the highest quality. Fencing, vegetation control and good plant quality is guaranteed. This will ensure you are maximising your forests economic potential.

“Farmers who plant can receive a premium of up to €275 per acre per year for 15 years. This payment will be received while also keeping their entire Single Farm Payment” says Mo Reibisch, Veon’s Regional Manager in the North West.

The Grant payment covers 100% of the work to be carried out on the ground, including fencing, draining, tree purchase, planting, and maintenance.

If you would like more information on any of the forestry schemes please don’t hesitate to contact Mo, your local forester based in Drumshanbo Mart:

Tel: 086 043 3605| Veon Ltd. Gala Superstore, Church St., Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. www.veon.ie