Green Belt welcomes increased revenue for landowners for planting

THE forest sector has just launched the new wave of funding to stimulate afforestation with increases in revenue for landowners through uplifts in premiums for a host of species following the Mid-term Review of the national forestry program which was officially launched on the 21/02/2018.

The grant and premium improvements underline the Government’s commitment to continued afforestation. Our current afforestation policy targets an increase in forest cover from the current 11.5% to 18%. Afforestation and sustainable forest management are considered to be key strategies available to the Department of Agriculture, to help combat climate change. Increased afforestation will help to achieve renewable energy targets, sequester carbon and offset increased emissions from high intensity agriculture.

Forestry is a solid and practical mitigation measure to help offset increased carbon emissions which if not addressed, will lead to Ireland incurring significant fines from the EU.

The changes which have been announced will see increases in premium rates of 5 – 7 % for broadleaves and native woodlands and lesser increases for conifer planting.

Forestry on a percentage of your farm holding can offer a safe, sustainable annual income which can help support other farming enterprises. Forestry is a viable, profitable land use option and most land types can be considered for planting.

The figures in the panel below reflect the changes which have been released to the Grant Premium Category (GPC) rates.

These premium payments are paid annually for a period of up to 15 years. Entitlements such as the Basic Payment Scheme can continue to be claimed alongside the forestry premium on the planted land.

The figures outlined (right) will also benefit from an additional 2% uplift in premium if you decide to plant an area greater than 10 Ha.

If you are considering forestry as a land use option, now is Grant Premium Category (GPC) Old Rate (Ha)

the time to submit a planting application for afforestation approval.

For a free consultation please contact your local Green Belt representatives: Sligo North Leitrim Hugo McCormick on 086 259 2651, Email: hmccormick@greenbelt.ie Mayo – Cillian Barrett on 087 751 2125, Email: Cillian@greenbelt.ie New Rate (Ha) Duration ( Yrs)