The reopening of the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) Scheme for 2026 has been welcomed by the Social, Economic, Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA).

The scheme was recently announced by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae.

The group especially praised the “enhanced focus” on Forest Management Plans and Forest Certification.

Since 2018, knowledge transfer groups have offered private forest owners practical, field-based support to improve decisions on thinning, harvesting, forest health, and long-term planning.

The 2026 scheme introduces two pathways: Focus Area A for Sustainable Forest Management; and Focus Area B for Forest Management Plans and Certification.

SEEFA considers Focus Area B to be “a major step forward” as, for the first time, any forest owner may join a Focus Area B group, even if they have participated in a forestry KTG in recent years.

SEEFA said this change “removes a key barrier and provides a clearer path for owners seeking to prepare a management plan, pursue certification, and meet the increasingly required standards of timber markets and supply chains”.

Family commitments

SEEFA also praised the updated scheme for recognising “the challenges of managing forests alongside work and family commitments”.

Participants may nominate a family member or joint owner to attend meetings on their behalf to support ongoing engagement and knowledge retention, which the association described as “a big win” for farm families.

Participants receive €80 per meeting for up to seven meetings, for a total of €560 for full attendance.

Each group may include up to 20 participants, with learning provided through site visits, demonstrations, and peer discussions led by professional foresters.

SEEFA stated that these “improved” terms will “lead to greater uptake of the scheme”.

SEEFA also acknowledged the minister’s recent actions to strengthen certification governance, including SEEFA's representation on the new certification board.

The association said that alignment between policy and practical training is “essential to raise management standards and support active, sustainable forestry in Ireland”.

At the launch of the KTG earlier this month, Minister Healy-Rae said: "These groups are about practical learning and real-world experience.

"They help owners to take a more active role in managing their forests."