14 November 2019

Clinics for Online Forestry Premium Applications

Andrew Doyle T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine with responsibility for forestry has outlined additional supports to assist forest owners in making their 2020 Forestry Premium Payment application online.

This initiative is part of the Department’s drive to improve the online services that it provides to its customers and is aligned with the e-Government Strategy 2017-2020 objective of adopting a digital first approach to service delivery. The on-line facility to make payment applications relating to the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, operated by the Department has been in place since November 2012.

The Department’s plan is to move to a completely on-line forestry grant and premium system from 1st January 2020. The online application system for 2020 Forestry Premiums will be open for use from 20^th November with applications due to be paid in early January 2020. This allows forest owner to apply for their forestry premium for the coming year in advance. DAFM officials will be providing a range of supports over the coming weeks and months to first time on-line applicants.

Forest owners who are not already using the Department’s Online Services should register as soon as possible at www.agfood.ie to enable them to apply for their 2020 forestry premium payments. The website includes a training video which provides a step-by-step guide on how to submit a forestry premium online.

Should forest owners wish to contact the Department in relation to their online Forestry Premium application they can do so by contacting the dedicated Helpdesk at:

Tel: 076 106 4437

Email Address:  forestservicepremiums@agriculture.gov.ie

In addition, information clinics will take place in November and December this year at the locations and dates specified below. Department staff will be present at these clinics to assist forest owners with submitting their individual Forestry Premium Application through the online system.

Forest owners also have the option to contact their farm advisor for assistance with submitting their forestry premium application through the online system.