Paul Bradford
Ceist:33 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Energy if he has any plans to encourage co-operatives who advise farmers in modern planting methods on their own land.
Written Answers. - Modern Planting Methods.
A complete advisory service on all aspects of forestry, including modern planting methods, is already available free of charge from my Department. As part of this service, my Department participate in public meetings and seminars for farmers organised by co-operatives and Teagasc. At these events, farmers are encouraged to get involved in forestry and are given professional advice by my Department on forestry methods and techniques.
I am conscious of the role that co-operatives can play in promoting forestry and in facilitating farmers who are afforesting their land. EC funding has already been provided to the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society for the establishment and operation of the Western Forestry Co-op based in Sligo. My Department are making provision in operational programmes currently under negotiation in Brussels for the provision of aid to associations such as co-operatives. This assistance will encourage the expansion of the Western Forestry Co-op project and will allow for other initiatives to be considered.