Ireland cuts forestry budget as farmers abandon tree planting schemes

Posted on October 30, 2024   |  

Forest industry experts in Ireland warn that the €20 million budget cut signals trouble, as fewer farmers are planting trees.

The forestry sector aims to boost tree planting by adjusting incentives for farmers.

The industry suggests using more Irish wood in housing construction to encourage afforestation.

Many trees planted in the 1980s and 1990s are now maturing, which will increase wood supply over the next decade.

The government’s forestry budget reduction from €110 million to €91 million raises concerns about the sector’s future and declining farmer interest.

This budget cut reflects a drop in new tree planting, resulting in fewer premium payments for farmers.