Eamon Ryan
Ceist:57 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she proposes to promote the forestry sector within farming here. [24554/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 13 October 2004
Ceisteanna (57)
Freagraí scríofa
The policy of the Government is focused on the promotion of forestry as a viable and alternative land use option, contributing to farmer income, rural development and employment, as well as maximising the value of the non-timber benefits that forestry represents. An allocation of €116 million was provided to support the sector in this year's Estimates.
The extensive Bacon report on forestry, which was recently presented, is an important contribution to the policy debate and will require detailed examination. The recent EU Commission's proposed regulation on rural development post-2006 has important implications for forestry that must be assessed in the negotiation process.
With the introduction of the single farm payment, forestry has become an even more attractive option by enabling farmers who plant up to 50% of their lands to consolidate their single payment entitlement on the remaining unplanted area while at the same time qualifying for forest premium on the planted area.
Question No. 58 answered with QuestionNo. 47.