asked the Minister for Energy whether the small farmers of south-west County Cork will qualify and receive headage payments for forest plantations during 1988.
37.
Written Answers. - Afforestation Payments.
23.
asked the Minister for Energy the criteria which will be used to qualify farmers for headage payments when planting forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
38.
asked the Minister for Energy if he will give details on headage proposals for planting forestry; and whether they will apply for 1988.
51.
asked the Minister for Energy whether farmers who are not currently in receipt of headage payments will qualify under the new scheme when undertaking a forestry development.
54.
asked the Minister for Energy if there are any details available of the new system of headage payments agreed in Brussels regarding forestry development.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 37, 38, 51 and 54 together.
On 15 April 1988, a scheme of compensatory allowances (headage payments) in respect of forestry was approved by the EC. The scheme applies to land afforested in the disadvantaged areas on or after 1 October 1986. Compensatory allowances for forestry will only be available to farmers who were in receipt of headage payments for livestock before afforesting their land. The rate of payment is £74.13 per hectare. This is payable each year for 15 years from the date of afforestation, thereby providing an annual income in recognition of the forest plantation. Farmers are required to afforest at least two hectares under the scheme. However, in the case of areas adjoining existing forests, a minimum of one hectare would be acceptable. If broadleaves are planted, 0.25 hectares would qualify. The compensatory allowances for forestry are payable in addition to the appropriate planting grants.
With regard to the small farmers of south-west County Cork, these will, of course, qualify for compensatory allowances in respect of forestry if they are currently in receipt of headage payments for livestock.