Sligo Farmers consider Forestry Benefits

“FARMERS in Sligo are becoming increasingly interested in diversifying their farm income streams with forestry” according to Colm Hobbins, Veon’s Operations Forester in the North West. With climate change already happening many farmers are viewing planting forestry on a part of their farms as an opportunity that they can’t afford to miss.

Earlier this year Mr. Andrew Doyle T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, announced the release of the first bulk payment of annual tax-free forestry premiums for 2018 totaling €27.8 million which is a significant investment in rural Ireland. “In the next few weeks, I expect to be announcing the outcome of a mid-term review of the 2014-2020 Forestry Programme – which will make further exciting changes to these schemes.” The Minister of State - a farm forest owner himself - added “the beginning of each year is a good time to consider options for the year ahead and I would encourage landowners to give serious consideration to forestry as a land use option”.

Forestry is now well-recognised as an alternative or supplementary land use for farmers to generate additional 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. The grant payment covers 100% of the work to be carried out on the ground, including fencing, draining, tree purchase, planting, and maintenance.

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.

“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.