Ireland has both the most suitable land and climate in Europe for growing trees. Interestingly, however, we are the least wooded country in Europe, with a tree cover of almost 11 per cent compared with the EU average of 31 per cent. Wood imports into Europe are the second biggest commodity import after oil. As a consequence, a major effort has been made over the last two decades to encourage farmers and landowners to plant in order to reduce this massive import bill. Forestry has become a much more attractive option for farmers and it can contribute greatly to the overall farming enterprise providing multiple benefits.
As a sustainable land use it provides a valuable raw material - timber- which forms the basis for alternative farm income and employment. Trees on the farm, whether as a woodland or small groups, provide shelter for livestock, crops, and buildings. They contribute significantly to wildlife and also the rural landscape.
Financial reasons for planting
The afforestation scheme, run by the Forest Service, provides grant aid and premium payments for forestry plantations to farmers and landowners. In most cases all costs involved in establishing a forest are covered by the grant. A forest premium (annual payment ) is paid to a farmer for 20 years and to a non farmer for 15 years. The time scale involved in forestry makes it an ideal source of pension income for younger farmers. An increasing number of part time farmers are deciding to plant as forestry is a more flexible time management option.
By the time a conifer forest reaches 15 to 20 years of age it will be ready for thinning. At 30 to 35 years of age, a well managed crop of Sitka spruce should be ready for clearfell. Further information on forestry is available from Seamus Breslin, Knock, at 087 3589214.
