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Northern Ireland Minister Michelle Gildernew
has announced increases in forestry grants, under the Rural
Development Programme, to encourage more farmers and landowners
to create their own woodland.
Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) rates are set to rise by up to
30%. The scheme is open to all landowners wishing to establish
new woodland. The Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS) which
provides an annual payment for up to 15 years to compensate
for loss of agricultural income, will see its rates increased
by as much as 50%.
Minister Gildernew said - “We know that woodlands are important
for many reasons - from the more obvious benefits of timber
and woodfuel production, to a haven for wildlife and an increasing
demand for places which people can enjoy. We are also now
aware that climate change is a global problem and carbon dioxide
emissions are the main cause of climate change.
"Trees have the unique ability to capture and store
carbon dioxide - and, in addition, by using wood, we can reduce
the amount of carbon dioxide released in comparison with using
other materials such as concrete and steel.
”Unfortunately, the north of Ireland is among the least wooded
areas in Europe and we have set challenging targets to increase
our woodland cover. Despite the pressures on expenditure and
financial constraints, I am very keen to create greater incentives
for farmers and landowners to plant trees, so that we can
all benefit from the advantages of more woodland.
"Now is a good time to take advantage of the new grant
scheme rates and apply to Forest Service to plant your own
wood in time for the coming tree planting season.”
The announcement was made following Forest Service consultation
with a cross section of stakeholders involved in woodland
creation and a subsequent review of the Woodland Grant Scheme
and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme payment rates.
The Woodland Grant Scheme will now pay £2,400 per hectare
for broad-leaved woodland and £1,600 per hectare for conifer
woodland.
For new farmer applicants and farmer applicants under the
current Farm Woodland Premium Scheme open since January 2007,
annual payment rates will increase by as much as 50%. These
higher rates range up to £290 per hectare (or £117 per acre)
per year and compare very favourably with current conacre
rates for grassland. They depend on the category of land to
be planted and whether it is inside or outside the Less Favoured
Areas (LFA), so check first before applying.
Forest Service will also continue to provide funding for
the Short Rotation Coppice Scheme - at least until 2013, when
the current Rural Development Programme comes to an end. Already,
farmers have created approximately 800ha of Short Rotation
Coppice for energy end use under this scheme and its predecessor,
the Short Rotation Coppice Challenge Fund.
Lastly, for those claiming Single Farm Payment (SFP) in 2008,
remember that you can now plant your land and continue to
claim SFP as well as the annual FWPS forestry payments.
For further details on forestry grant schemes, contact Forest
Service - Tel: 028 9076 5391 - Email: grants.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
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