Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Questions (360)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

360. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 760, 740, 744, 748, 754, 772, 773, 776 and 778 of 20 September 2023, to detail in a giant chart type format the timelines for the payment of a form 2 grant and first premium at the farmer rate of premium for forestry plantations which pass the form two inspection in each of the months January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2023 taking into account the need to be an approved participant in BISS in the same year and all other factors now involved in qualification for the farmer rate of premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49322/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I wish to clarify, firstly, that the criteria to qualify for the farmer differential in the period of forestry premiums mentioned by the Deputy attach to the recently launched afforestation scheme under the new forestry programme 2023-27. This scheme was launched in time for the autumn planting season which has just begun recently in November. There are therefore no form 2 applications for payment, as yet, under this scheme and no records to present in the format suggested.

The process is, that in applying for approval to plant, the applicant will self declare farmer status. This will be checked at form 2 (payment) stage. This check will be a simple, administrative check with our BISS colleagues. I understand that you may be concerned about the position of new and young farmers and the timing of making BISS applications. I would like to assure that our operational procedure will ensure that there will be no delay in paying the first premium along with the first grant. It is important to remember that the differential is in the duration of the premium and not in the amount of the premium. The farmer status will be confirmed long before the issuing of the second premium. Once farmer definition is confirmed it is in place for the twenty years of the contract. If the land changes ownership during that time then the change of ownership procedures will need to be adhered to. I would assure you that no farmer will be disadvantaged with respect to the premium period differential.

I would also like to say that forestry payments have an excellent record of compliance with farmer charter targets and that payments are made promptly.