Minister of State for forestry Michael Healy-Rae has announced the results of the mid-term review of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.

Commenting on the publication of the review, Minister Healy-Rae said: "I am delighted to announce the results of [the] department’s mid-term review of our Forestry Programme.

"We have undertaken a thorough review of our existing schemes and measures and listened carefully to feedback from those who have direct experience of implementing them on the ground," the minister said.

He added: "We are now bringing in improved financial incentives, increased scheme flexibilities, and proactive training and engagement initiatives to better support farmers, landowners and foresters.

"These targeted interventions will allow us to build on the progress we have made over the past two years," Minister Healy-Rae said.

Key actions from the mid-term review that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine highlighted include:

Increasing existing fencing grant rates and allowances, and agroforestry premium rates for the Afforestation Scheme;
Increasing existing fencing rates for the Native Tree Area Scheme;
Increasing existing fencing rates and allowances and expanding of the Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme;
Increasing existing grant rates for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot and Forest Road Schemes;
Increasing range from 10% to 20%, depending on the scheme.

Minister Healy-Rae indicated that these actions will be pursued, saying: "The changes that are being brought in through the mid-term review apply to forestry projects where the works have not yet started. These measures will remain in place for the remainder of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 term.

"I am proud to be able to deliver such a wide range of really attractive supports, schemes, and financial packages, which I believe provide a wonderful incentive for farmers and landowners to get into forestry," he added.

"I would encourage all farmers and landowners to examine all of these opportunities, and to take the next step by actively engaging with forestry as a practical way to diversify their income while also contributing to biodiversity and climate goals," the minister said.

Farmer definition

Minister Healy-Rae also said that he has reviewed the farmer definition within the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 with "a view to reducing administrative burden on farm families".

The minister said: “To complement the new opportunities that this mid-term review provides, I also wanted to make it easier for farmers to take part in forestry.

"To do this, I have worked with [the] department to simplify the farmer definition, which means that an applicant will now simply have to pass the department’s 'Active Farmer check' and have received a valid payment under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability [BISS] scheme prior to the completion of planting," he explained.

"This will lessen the burden for applicants, while keeping a protective mechanism in place," Minister Healy-Rae added.