Agriland We are pleased to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on a series on the potential benefits to farmers of introducing forestry to their land holdings.
The “Let Trees Work for You – Meet Our Forest Ambassadors” series showcases the experience of three farmers who have benefited from agricultural grants to create forests on part of their land.
They now benefit from a guaranteed, tax-free annual income source that supports their total agricultural holdings.
These Ambassadors discuss the potential benefits and challenges for farmers of planting trees and advise on the support available from DAFM and Teagasc advisors.
Overall, the ambassadors describe forestry as a positive addition to their agricultural business.
It is widely accepted that forests can contribute to supporting the long-term sustainability of agribusiness and adding value for the next generation of farmers.
The ambassador’s stories are presented in a new section on the ministry’s website entitled: Forest for you.
There interested parties can find information about forests and the steps they need to take to start their forestry journey.
Forest Ambassadors
The “Let Trees Work for You – Meet Our Forest Ambassadors” series will include interviews with three farmers, complemented by individual videos that can be viewed on the Ministry’s website here.
Week 1 It will feature Gerard Deegan, an organic beef farmer from Co. Westmeath, who planted 100 acres of woodland in 2012 after experiencing some health issues at the time, which left him concerned about his ability to continue farming.
Week 2 Ragna Christ Zorin, a farmer from Co Clare, who became involved in forestry in 2013 under the Forest Type 1 – Indigenous Forest Scheme, will be presenting.
Week 3 It will feature Eoin Wynne, a part-time beef farmer from Co. Galway, who last year planted 8 hectares of trees on his land amid the uncertain effects of ash dieback in woodlands on the farm.
More information is available on DAFM Forest for you web page.
Watch the series over the next three weeks on Agriland A platform to hear more from these three farmers about how forests have proven beneficial to their agricultural businesses.
