Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD, announced the results of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027. 

Minister Healy-Rae said: “I am delighted to announce the results of my 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. 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.” 

Key highlights from the Mid-Term Review include:

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

The full details of the MTR and the resulting changes to schemes and measures under the Forestry Programme can be found at Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027

Minister Healy-Rae continued: “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. 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.”

In parallel, Minister Healy-Rae has reviewed the farmer definition within the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 with a view to reducing administrative burden on farm families. In this regard, the Minister concluded: “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 my 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. This will lessen the burden for applicants, whilst keeping a protective mechanism in place.” 

National Forestry Programme