Teagasc Blitz of Forestry Events

14 June, 2004

Teagasc is running a series of 35 forestry field evenings between Monday, 22 June and Thursday, 1 July.

The events are aimed especially at landowners who have recently planted or are considering forestry. Run in conjunction with the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Food, they will feature the up to date position on the forestry concessions under the new EU agriculture policy as well as expert advice on the planting, management and economics of forestry.

Announcing details of the events, Jim Reidy, Forestry Development Officer with Teagasc, said the concession that farmers can plant up to 50% of their land and continue to receive their full decoupled payment from January 2005 has substantially increased interest in forestry.

“Following the recent surge in approvals for forestry grants there is now huge pressure to get land planted. Planting is running very late and with the recent dry spell, there may be an increasing failure rate.”

“Recently planted forests should be inspected regularly and failures should be replaced during the coming planting season,” he advised.

Jim Reidy said that while the planting grant and premium payments for forestry are generous, farmers should always remember that the land on which the forest is planted is still the biggest investment.