Eamon Ryan
Question:531. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the policy for increasing forestation will be set out; and the form and species it will promote. [32068/18]
View answerThursday, 12 July 2018
Questions (531)
Written answers
The current forestry programme sets out annual planting targets under my Department’s Afforestation scheme for the period 2014 - 2020. These targets are not scheduled to change until the next programme which will cover the period up to 2027. There is a commitment in the National Development Programme for a publicly funded afforestation programme after the current programme expires in 2020. It is far too early therefore to set out any details of what form the next afforestation programme will take and as always this will be informed by detailed stakeholder consultation.
However, the midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 completed in February this year did provide my Department with an opportunity to take stock of the existing planting strategy. In doing so opportunities for increasing forest cover and further incentivising the planting of native woodlands where examined. One approach is to encourage farmers to incorporate forestry into their farming mix so that agricultural production can continue alongside timber production. Where grazing land is underutilised for example, animals could be moved off the more difficult fields onto more productive land. In this way agricultural production can be maintained, while at the same time establishing a valuable asset that delivers both economic and environmental benefits. Trees could be grown on active farms not just for timber, but for ecosystem services also. Strategic planting of new forests can intercept nutrient and soil runoff thereby protecting water quality while affording shelter to grazing calves. Native tree species can provide a rich habitat for wildlife, whilst simultaneously producing trees for firewood either for domestic use or for sale in local markets.
In addition to traditional forestry offered by the existing afforestation scheme other planting categories that may be more attractive to farmers are available. Agro forestry is supported under the current forestry programme which allows grazing of animals to take place on land that is also planted with trees. The cutting of silage between rows of trees is also possible in this forest type. The forestry for fibre category provides for the planting of eucalyptus and popular which can be harvested after 15 years, a much shorter rotation than traditional forestry where clearfell could take place between 35 and 40 years from the date of planting. Timber from this type of planting can be used for domestic heating on the farm itself or supplied to local markets to meet a growing demand for firewood. My Department is interested in developing these forestry types further in the next forestry programme.
Although the MTR is a recent publication and its revised measures are relatively new, it is already showing benefits in terms of increased planting rates for broadleaf species. There are challenges in reaching our afforestation targets but my Department is determined to do everything possible to help these targets be achieved in light of the obvious climate and environmental benefits. To this end, I have established an Implementation Group to oversee the implementation of the MTR comprising the forestry sector, landowner representatives, and environmental NGOs. This Group has already had its first meeting and will be central to driving the implementation of the afforestation programme to 2020.