Currently there are over 16,000 landowners in Ireland who have planted some or all of their land with forestry. There were many different reasons why farmers planted their land. Often the reason was to provide a secure income for 15 or 20 years or sometimes it was because the farmer was no longer able to farm the land.

 

The main incentives for planting include:

• The afforestation grant covers the cost of establishing the plantation and maintaining it for 4 years – so there is no initial outlay for the farmer.
• The farmer receives a forest premium payment of up to €427 per hectare for 20 years. This payment is not subject to income tax, however it does attract PRSI contributions (the up side of this development is that it qualifies the farmer for a contributory old age pension). A farmer who plants in 2011 will receive his/her last premium payment in 2031.
• The farmer continues to draw his/her single farm payment.
• A well managed plantation is a valuable asset. It is estimated that the value of the timber produced from a hectare of land is worth €15,000 net of costs (70% conifer; 30% broadleaves) at today’s prices.
• There are new market opportunities for timber in Ireland e.g. wood for energy.
• Forestry is a low management intensity enterprise. Therefore you can concentrate your efforts on other areas of your farm enterprise or an off farm enterprise.
• You will retain full ownership of you land and forest plantation.

Coillte Planting Services:

• Inspect your land free of charge.
• Determine whether or not it is suitable for forestry.
• Advise you on the forestry options available and discuss the implications for you.
• Apply for establishment grants and premiums. (Tel 1800 200 728)
• Undertake to establish, fence and maintain your plantation for four years.
• Manage your plantation until it is ready for thinning.
• Coillte will provide you with the best advice and establish your crop to the Forest Service standards.

Call our Freephone number 1800 200 728 for more information