Forestry Planting
Irelands vibrant forestry sector is playing an increasingly important economic, environmental and social role in our farming and rural communities.
Ireland has the best climate in Europe for growing trees, but we need to plant more trees to meet an increasing demand for timber (Harvesting Information) from our dynamic processing and renewable energy sectors.
The advantages of Forestry:
To encourage the planting of more forests, a range of planting schemes with attractive afforestation grants & annual premiums are now available to landowners. Forest establishment is 100% funded by the Department of Agriculture, Forest Service in Ireland and the afforestation grant supports the cost of planting and maintaining the forest including Axe Forestry Ltd services for the first 4 years ensuring that there is no cost to the landowner.
The introduction of the new forestry scheme has seen the removal of farmer and non-farmer rates, with a uniform premium for every landowner for 15 years tax-free. On top of that, they retain their ownership on a forest that is increasing in value annually. You will also retain your Single Farm Payment. This provides additional, secure and regular income for landowners, particularly on marginal land.
Premium Scheme
| GPC | Annual Premium Rate <10ha | Annual Premium Rate >10ha | Premium Duration (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPC 1 – Unenclosed | €185 | €190 | 15 |
| GPC 2 – Sitka Spruce / Lodgepole pine | €440 | €450 | 15 |
| GPC 3 – 10% Diverse Conifer e.g. Sitka Spruce and 10% broadleaves | €510 | €520 | 15 |
| GPC 4 – Diverse Conifer e.g., Scots pine, Douglas Fir | €590 | €600 | 15 |
| GPC 5 – Broadleaf e.g. sycamore | €605 | €620 | 15 |
| GPC 6 – Oak | €645 | €660 | 15 |
| GPC 7 - Beech | €645 | €660 | 15 |
| GPC 8 – Alder and Birch | €605 | €620 | 15 |
| GPC 9 – Native Woodland Establishment (oak-birch-holly-hazel) | €665 | €680 | 15 |
| GPC 10 – Native Woodland Establishment (alder-oak-woodland) | €665 | €680 | 15 |
| GPC 11 – Agro-forestry | €645 | €660 | 5 |
| GPC 12 – Forestry-for-Fibre | €510 | €520 | 15 |
Planting your land is a big decision, and to ensure you get professional advice and a FREE site assessment, contact a member of our team today on 090 66 30536, (087)3814886, or email info@Axeforestry.ie
Forestry establishment is completely covered by a full state backed grant as Ireland, with one of the lowest percentages of forestry cover in Europe, needs to increase its coverage from its current 11% to 18%.
