John Ellis
Ceist:180 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the system put in place regarding the grading of land of forestry purposes; and if he will make a statement regarding the mechanism used. [15070/95]
Written Answers. - Grading of Land.
The afforestation grant scheme distinguishes between unenclosed land and enclosed/improved land. Unenclosed land is defined as land which was never improved or enclosed by man-made boundaries for agricultural use other than for extensive grazing. Enclosed/improved land is land falling outside the category of unenclosed land. The afforestation grant payable in the case of the former is up to a maximum of £1,300 per hectare while maximum grant rates payable in respect of afforestation on the latter category of land range between £1,500 and £3,000 per hectare, depending on the mix of species planted.
The forest premium scheme distinguishes between non-disadvantaged, less severely disadvantaged and more severely disadvantaged areas in so far as enclosed/improved land is concerned and where the recipient of the premium payment falls within the definition of a farmer for the purposes of the scheme. The lowest levels of premium are payable in more severely disadvantaged areas and the highest in non-disadvantaged areas. This reflects the stated purpose of the premium under the relevant Regulation, Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2080/92, which is to cover losses of income resulting from afforestation of agricultural land.