Colm Burke
Question:231. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new afforestation scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40771/23]
View answerThursday, 21 September 2023
Questions (231, 232)
Colm Burke
Question:232. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department is taking to increase afforestation in view that there has been almost an 80% drop in all new forestry plantings since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40772/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
I am pleased to advise that the Afforestation Scheme for the 2023-2027 period opened for applications on the 6th of September 2023. This new Afforestation Scheme offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular to re-engage with forestry. This can be seen in our increased premia rates for Afforestation. These increases range from between 46% to 66% , along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers across most Forest Types.
Agroforestry has also been revised significantly to facilitate uptake. Agroforestry was first introduced to Ireland’s forestry support schemes in 2015, and the new Afforestation Scheme will increase the period for premiums from five to 10 years. To date, support has targeted the establishment of silvopastoral systems which combine forestry and pasture, including grazing and the growing of fodder. It is proposed to expand this in the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 with pilot schemes for both silvoarable and forest gardening systems.
Emergent Forest is a further new Forest Type offered under the Afforestation Scheme. This will support the retention and appropriate management of suitable areas of ‘scrub’, which represent an important biodiversity feature within the landscape, with the potential for delivering many ecosystem services.
The Programme also contains a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which builds on a recent amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is our objective to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting, and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting. This Native Tree Area Scheme will be open for applications shortly.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade. I am confident that the diverse range of forest types on offer, coupled with attractive grants and premiums in the new Forestry Programme, will support landowners to plant trees in a manner that will provide lasting climate, biodiversity, wood production, employment and wider societal benefits.
Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 231.