08 November 2024

A Role for Trees on Every Irish Farm

The DAFM Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 provides attractive incentives and many options to incorporate trees as part of a comprehensive approach to land management, sustainability and economic resilience. Teagasc Forestry Advisor Pádraic O’Leary tells us more.

As Ireland focuses on sustainable land use, enterprises such as agriculture and forestry can play a central role. The DAFM Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 exemplifies the Government’s commitment to integrating trees into farming, offering financial, ecological, and practical incentives to farmers across the country.

Why trees matter on Irish farms

Integration of trees on the farm offers multiple benefits that align with Ireland’s commitment to environmental and economic goals:

1. Carbon Sequestration and Climate Action: Trees readily absorb carbon dioxide, playing a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change. By providing highly attractive options for trees on farms, the Forestry Programme enables Irish agriculture to positively contribute to Ireland’s climate goals and help reduce the carbon footprint at farm, community and national level.
2. Enhanced Biodiversity: Well-planned forests provide natural habitats for a diverse range of wildlife, contributing to increased biodiversity. Integrating trees on farms, be it in small or larger areas, can support enhanced ecological diversity, promote the health of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife that play essential roles in the farming ecosystem.
3. Soil Health and Erosion Control: Tree roots help stabilise the soil, reducing erosion, especially in sloped or vulnerable areas. Trees contribute organic matter through leaf litter, improving soil fertility, structure, and resilience.
4. Economic Diversification and Resilience: The capacity to integrate trees on their holding provides farmers with excellent alternative revenue streams. Forestry grants, annual forestry premia and subsequent income tax-free returns from timber and wood products can provide attractive revenue streams over the life of a forest, creating additional financial stability in the face of fluctuating agricultural prices.

The Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027: Opportunities for Irish Farmers

The Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 is specifically designed to make the integration of trees an accessible, practical, and financially viable choice for farmers across Ireland. Here are some key features:

1. Incentives and Grants: The programme offers grants covering up to 100% of the establishment costs for new forests. These grants are tailored to cover various types of tree planting, including native woodland, agroforestry, and commercial forestry approaches. In addition to grant aid, annual premiums are available for eligible applicants for up to 20 years. There is plenty support available to assist farmers and landowners in selecting the right options for their land. In doing so, they can leave a legacy for future generations.
2. Agroforestry Options: Agroforestry – a system that combines trees and agricultural crops or livestock on the same land parcels –  enables farmers to benefit from trees while still having access to productive land. By intercropping or allowing livestock to graze between trees, agroforestry enhances soil health, improves livestock welfare, and opens new revenue channels without significantly impacting farming operations.
3. Environmentally-Focused Planting Schemes: To encourage planting that benefits ecosystems, the Forestry Programme promotes forest types such as native woodland and continuous cover forestry. These approaches allow natural regeneration, soil conservation, and habitat development that enhance biodiversity, making forestry a low-impact yet high-value addition to farms.
4. Support for Small Woodlands: Recognising that not every farm can support large forestry operations, the programme offers schemes for establishing small woodlands. These mini-forests can have disproportionately high benefits in terms of biodiversity, shelter for livestock, and aesthetic improvements.
5. Education and Guidance: The programme includes extensive outreach to help farmers understand the benefits and methods of integrating forestry. Workshops, advisory services, and access to forestry specialists make the transition to trees in the landscapes accessible to farmers, no matter their level of forestry experience.

Success Stories and Practical Examples

Farmers across Ireland are already taking advantage of the Forestry Programme to enhance their land. Examples include:

• Agroforestry in Action: A growing number of farmers with varying farm enterprises (e.g. in Cork, Galway, Cavan and Meath) are incorporating agroforestry into their enterprises. By doing so, they are availing of the capacity to have farming and trees working together in the same fields. This allows the growing of quality timber, enhanced grass growth, enhanced biodiversity, improved water quality, promotion of animal welfare and contributions to better livestock productivity.
• Native Woodland in Munster: Smaller-scale farmers have introduced native woodlands on their holdings, creating valuable habitats that enhance biodiversity and improve water retention, ultimately improving the overall health of their land.
• Continuous Cover Forestry in Kilkenny: A Kilkenny farmer has established continuous cover forestry using a suitable mix of tree species. This approach will allow for the production of commercial timber while retaining a forest cover at all times. This will protect against soil erosion while creating valuable timber resources, thus preserving the aesthetic and ecological value of the landscape. Planting the trees with multiple species also makes it much more resilient.

Steps for Farmers Interested in Forestry

For those considering forestry as part of their land management strategy, here are the initial steps:

1. Evaluate Land Suitability: Not all land is suitable for every type of forestry. Farmers can consult their local Teagasc Forestry Advisor to identify which parts of their land would benefit from tree planting.
2. Select the Right Forestry Type: The Forestry Programme offers a variety of forestry types, each suited to different farming goals- whether economic, ecological, or a blend of both.
3. Apply for Grants and Support: Farmers can apply for grants through the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM). Advisors can help navigate the application process, ensuring maximum support.
4. Plan for Integration: Whether through agroforestry or commercial woodland, planning for how tree planting fits in with existing farming enterprises, schemes and operations helps ensure a smooth integration that benefits both crops and livestock.

The Path Forward: Embracing Trees on Every Farm

Ireland’s commitment to forestry within its agricultural landscape represents a future-focused approach to farming. The Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 is not just about planting trees; it’s about fostering a mindset that values sustainability, biodiversity, and economic resilience. With the continued participation of farmers across the country, tree integration can become an integral and valuable part of Irish agriculture, ensuring that farms are not only productive but also resilient and environmentally responsible for generations to come. Click here for further details or contact your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor