Free forestry events offer insights on grants and premiums
Farmers and landowners are being invited to attend free forestry information events taking place over the next two weeks.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Teagasc Forestry Development Department are hosting the “Let’s Talk Trees” events which begin tonight (Tuesday, November 3).
Each of the four evening events will open with presentations on afforestation grant and premium details, along with how forestry can complement other farm income supports.
This will be followed by a panel discussion with a local farmer discussing their forestry journey.
Attendees will also get an opportunity to talk to department forestry inspectors and Teagasc forestry advisers on a one-to-one basis about their interest in forestry.
Forestry
The information events, which will all run from 7:00p.m to 10:30p.m, will take place at the following locations:
- Tuesday, November 3: The Devon Inn, Templeglantine Village, Co. Limerick;
- Thursday, November 6: Mullingar Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath;
- Tuesday, November 10: Lawlor’s of Naas, Poplar Square, Naas, Co. Kildare;
- Thursday, November 12: The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on- Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Niall Collins has confirmed that he will open the first information event in Templeglantine tonight.
"Every parcel of land has a purpose, and our comprehensive forestry programme offers a range of different options for planting trees.
"From innovative agroforestry that blends livestock grazing with tree planting, to traditional native woodlands and commercial timber crops, landowners have a real opportunity to select the forestry option which would fit best on their land and with their farm business.
"Backed by secure annual premiums and robust long-term financial yields, the forestry grant and premium schemes provide farm families with a range of supports to allow them to confidently diversify their farm business and secure their financial future," he said.
Minister Collins said the events will help to address potential barriers to planting trees.
"Landowners considering tree planting are strongly encouraged to attend these upcoming events to see firsthand how forestry can complement their current land use choices or farm business, diversify their income stream, deliver nature and environmental benefits and deliver long-term financial support.
"Attendees will get a clear, practical breakdown of the government supports available.
"For existing forest owners attending the events they will gain insights into how they can optimise their forestry operations and manage their forests sustainably," he said.
