Forest Type 13 (FT13)
Silvoarable is where trees are grown with other farm crops of cereals, fruit and vegetables. Crops are normally grown amongst single or multiple rows of trees.
This Pilot is only available to land managed under arable farming systems.
Once land is converted to agroforestry, it will be classified as forest land and the provisions of forest legislation will apply.
Eligible tree species include broadleaves and conifers and will be assessed on a site-by-site basis. Fruit and nut trees can account for 20% of species planted. The financial support through grant aid will be less than that for Silvopastoral systems because the plants will not require the same level of protection. In some cases, rabbit/ hare protection or deer fencing may be required.
Silvoarable Agroforestry requires a long-term commitment from the forest owner.
The design of the tree planting must allow for the machines to turn at the end of each row.
The Silvoarable Agroforestry is on a pilot basis at present. Projects under the pilot scheme must not exceed 7.5ha.
Stocking and spacing
A minimum stocking rate of 400 trees per hectare is required. The spacing between rows of trees is up to 25m max. Alternative spacing can be proposed and will be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Species, Minimum area and width
Acceptable broadleaf species include oak, sycamore, Italian Alder, Red oak, walnut, Scots Pine (15% max), Spanish Chestnut, Birch and cherry. Monocultures should be
avoided and a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 tree species to be used. Other species, including conifers, will be considered on a site-by-site basis. A maximum of 20% of the trees planted can comprise of trees grown for fruit and nuts.
The minimum plot area and width eligible under FT13 is 0.5 ha and 20m tree-to-tree, respectively.
Grant Rates
| Forest Type
Agroforestry – silvoarable |
Grant Rates (excluding fencing) €/ha |
Annual Premium Payments €/ha |
Number of Premiums for Non-Farmers |
Number of Premiums for Farmers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FT 13 | €6,000 | €829 | 10 | 10 |
Further information
Contact your Local Forestry Advisor
Details for the Silvoarable FT13 are set out in the Forestry Standards Manual (link to external website – DAFM)