Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
244. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the request in a document by an organisation and organisations (details supplied) in relation to introducing a full suite of agroforestry measures focused on a variety of species and a continuous cover management model to promote natural regeneration and ecological corridors for nature connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23336/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder our current National Forestry Programme, we already have substantial grants and premiums for farmers considering agroforestry. These rates were trebled under the mid-term review of the current programme in order to further incentivise this type of planting. This approach will of course be reviewed in the design of the next National Forestry Programme.
In addition, a new Forestry Strategy for Ireland is being developed under Project Woodland.
This new Strategy will provide a coherent policy framework within which a new Forestry Programme along with other supporting measures can be implemented.
It is envisaged that ‘close to nature’ management practices such as continuous cover forestry, agroforestry, and supports to protect water quality, flood mitigation, habitat creation and reduced on farm carbon emissions will be central considerations in reflections on a new strategy.
Proposals for the further development of agroforestry models also feature in the draft strategy for the development of the agri food sector to 2030 currently under development.
