The Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has welcomed the publication of the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.

That programme was announced this week (March 10) by Minister of State for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae.

According to SEEFA, the review reflects “constructive engagement between the department and sector stakeholders, providing a clearer platform for planting and programme delivery for the remainder of the forestry programme”.

SEEFA, which represents over 90% of the forestry establishment sector, also said that the outcome “shows the value of direct engagement with those working in the sector on the ground”.

It added: “The changes should help improve confidence among farmers, landowners and applicants considering forestry”.

‘Useful steps’

SEEFA chair Paddy Bruton said: “This review gives the sector something practical to work with.

“SEEFA was involved in the process, and we appreciate that the minister and the department ensured that we had the chance to put forward views based on real experience of what is and is not working on the ground.

"It is important that this was not done in isolation.”

Bruton went on to say that are a number of "useful steps" included in the review, "particularly around agroforestry, the farmer definition and the administrative side of the schemes".

"From our point of view, the message now is simple. Now is the time to plant.”

SEEFA public relations officer Teige Ryan said: “We are pleased to see a review that includes measures people can actually use.

“We also want to thank Minister Healy-Rae, department officials and the wider group of stakeholders involved for the engagement throughout the review."

Ryan added: “That kind of open process gives confidence and leads to more realistic outcomes, and SEEFA was glad to play its part in giving feedback as these changes were being discussed.”

Key actions from the mid-term review highlighted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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.

SEEFA said it “looks forward to continued engagement with the department as updated measures are implemented and efforts continue to strengthen forestry uptake, scheme delivery, and sector confidence”.

Positive changes

According to the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) Farm Forestry chair, Padraig Stapleton, there were "positive changes" introduced as part of the mid-term review including the additional €3.5 million secured per annum up to 2027.

“In particular, the 20% increase in the grant rate under the Forest Roads Scheme - from €55 per metre to €66 per metre - is a positive step.

"The increase in the Engineering Design Support measure from €1,000 to €1,500 is also very important in helping farmers develop the essential infrastructure needed to access and actively manage their forests," Stapleton added.