Irish Independent - Farming

Cork farmers reaping big rewards from plantation­s

Steven Meyen hears from three Munster men combining forestry with farming

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WHEN travelling the highways and byways of Ireland, half of all the forests you see are privately owned.

Cork is no different. Of the 94,000 hectares of forest in the Rebel County, 45,000ha are privately owned.

The majority of these forests have been establishe­d and are owned by astute farmers and landowners who have seen opportunit­ies to diversify their farming activity and create a complement­ary enterprise on the farm.

No wonder that with this increasing private forest cover, many enterprise­s have developed, adding value along the supply chain and supporting the local economy.

These enterprise­s include tree nurseries, management companies, harvesting contractor­s, timber processing mills, educationa­l and recreation­al facilities, furniture makers and various crafts- men and women. Farm forest owners in Cork have developed valuable insights and experience­s on forestry.

Engaging with such owners is a rewarding and informativ­e process.

While each story is different, they have a common passion for land-based enterprise­s and a keen eye for opportunit­ies to diversify and optimise resources.

This is the story of three such farmers.

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