The 'Let Trees Work For You – Meet our Forestry Ambassadors' series showcases the experience of three farmers who have availed of planting grants to establish forestry on part of their land.

They now benefit from a guaranteed annual tax-free income stream that supports their overall farm holding.

These ambassadors discuss the benefits and potential challenges for farmers in planting trees and offer advice on the support available from DAFM and Teagasc advisers.

Overall, the ambassadors describe forestry as a positive addition to their farm business.

It is widely accepted that forestry can contribute to supporting the long-term sustainability of farm businesses and add value for the next generation of farmers.

The ambassador stories are featured on a new section of the Department’s website titled Forestry For You.

It is there that interested parties can find information on forestry and what steps to take to start their forestry journey.

Forestry ambassadors

The Let Trees Work For You – Meet our Forestry Ambassadors Series will feature interviews with three farmers, which are complemented by individual videos that can be viewed on the Department’s website here.

Week 1 will feature Gerard Deegan, an organic beef farmer from Co. Westmeath, who planted 100ac of forestry in 2012 after encountering some health issues at the time, which made him concerned about his ability to continue farming.

Week 2 will feature Ragna Christ Zorin, a suckler farmer from Co. Clare, who got involved in forestry in 2013 under the Forest Type 1 – Native Forests scheme.

Week 3 will feature Eoin Wynne, a part-time beef farmer from Co. Galway, who last year planted 8ha of trees on his land amid the uncertain implications of ash dieback for an existing woodland on the farm.

More information is available on DAFM's Forestry for You webpage.

Follow the series over the next three weeks on the Agriland platform to hear more from these three farmers about how forestry has proved to be of benefit for their farm businesses.