Forestry Events Highlight New Opportunities
Issued 1stOctober 2001
The impact of the increased premium payments on forestry planting will be one of the featured highlights at five national demonstrations being run by Teagasc and the Forest Service over the next two weeks.
The demonstrations which get underway at Bodyke, Co Clare on Monday, October 8th are aimed at bringing the most up to date information on the economics, planting and management of forestry to farmers.
Announcing details, Jim Reidy, National Forestry Development Officer with Teagasc said the increase in the forestry premium for all farmers who planted since 1993 demonstrates a long-term government commitment to forestry.
''Current income figures show that over 35,000 drystock farmers make less than £80 per acre. The same land could earn more than £125 per acre tax-free from forestry. The majority of these farmers could convert a portion of their farms to forestry and substantially boost income'', he said.
The demonstrations will have expert advice from Teagasc for farmers contemplating forestry. They will also feature live demonstrations by Teagasc and Forest Service specialists on planting and management in the early years. Separate demonstrations will also be mounted on the management and thinning of older forests.
''With 12,000 people having planted trees in the last decade forestry has become a mainstream farming enterprise. Like all other enterprises, it must be carefully planned and expertly managed. The demonstrations will enable existing and prospective growers get objective financial information and see the latest technology'', said Jim Reidy.
