News Update - 6/4/11 Shane McEntee New Minister for Forestry. Shane McEntee TD Junior Minister with responsibility for Food and Horticulture has been given responsibility for forestry. This was announced at today's Forest Liaison Group Meeting in Dublin which the new minister attended for a while. Chairman of the AIFC Seán Lenihan met the new minister today and wished him well in his new role. He also offered the minister the services and experience of the AIFC for any matters which he might need assistance on. A meeting is planned between the Minister and the AIFC will take place soon. Seán Lenihan chairman AIFC with new Forestry Minister Shane McEntee today in Dublin News Update - 1/4/11 Phytopthora ramorum confirmed on young Sitka Spruce tree. Press Release – Dept. Agr. Department gives update on Phytophthora ramorum monitoring The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is continuing to survey forests and control outbreaks of the EU regulated plant disease Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus like organism that can damage and kill infected trees and plants. Under EU requirements, annual forest surveys for Phytophthora ramorum have been ongoing since 2003. Until last year, there had been no findings on tree species and P. ramorum had only been detected in forest areas on wild invasive rhododendron shrubs.  Following the initial findings in Japanese larch in Ireland in July 2010, an extensive national aerial and ground survey was conducted.  These forest surveys have now confirmed the disease in Japanese larch at eleven forest locations in five counties. Japanese larch appears to be particularly susceptible to the disease, affecting all age classes and locally causing significant dieback and deaths.  Noble fir, beech and Spanish chestnut growing in close proximity to the infected Japanese larch have also been found to be infected at a number of the sites and it is likely that the Japanese larch is the source of the infection. The infected trees are being removed to prevent the disease spreading. There has also been a recent scientifically confirmed finding of P. ramorum in a single Sitka spruce tree. The infected young tree is approximately two metres in height and significantly it was growing in close proximity and underneath the canopy of a large infected rhododendron bush. It is very likely that disease spores produced by this overhanging infected rhododendron bush were the source of infection of the tree.  This is the first field record worldwide of P. ramorum infection in Sitka spruce although the species had been found to be susceptible in international laboratory trials. Spruce in the immediate area of all the Japanese larch outbreak sites have been surveyed and no further P. ramorum infections have been found.  The area around the infected Sitka spruce has been effectively quarantined and monitoring will continue. There has also been significant number of outbreaks of the disease particularly in Japanese larch in Northern Ireland and Great Britain and the Department is liaising closely with the relevant authorities. The Department continues to take all necessary measures to establish the extent of the infection and to control the spread of the disease.  Forest owners are requested to be particularly vigilant and as the summer growing season commences to report any unusual symptoms of ill health in larch or other species to the Forest Service of the Department.  For further information on the disease please see www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice or email forestprotection@agriculture.gov.ie Notes on P.Ramorum. 1.  In the mid-1990s, it was reported that significant numbers of trees and other plant species were being damaged      or killed in California and other parts of the western United States by a newly described disease, caused by a new      species of fungus like organism named Phytophthora ramorum. The common name for the disease, Sudden Oak      Death, which was first assigned in the USA, is a misnomer in a European context as to date European oak species      have not been seriously damaged. The same organism had also been found in many European countries including      Ireland, on the shrub species Rhododendron and Viburnum spp. 2.  Scientific evidence indicates that Japanese larch can produce P. ramorum infection spores at a higher rate than      rhododendron and that the disease can be dispersed by the movement of plants and plant products and by the      movement of contaminated soil. The disease can also be dispersed by rain, mists and air currents. 3.  Legislation was introduced in 2002 under Commission Decision 2002/757/EC on provisional emergency phytosanitary      measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Community of Phytophthora ramorum (as      amended). The Department under the legislation is therefore requiring felling of all infected trees with a view to      minimising the spread of the disease. 4.  The felling associated with the 11 confirmed Japanese larch outbreak sites amounts to approximately 125 ha of      forest.  Most of the wood from infected trees can be utilised and sold in the normal way when the necessary      prescribed hygiene measures are taken during felling, transport and processing in approved sawmills and other      wood processing facilities. Date Released: 31 March 2011 Phytophthora ramorum found in European larch for first time in UK Posted Date : 30/03/2011 Forestry Commission Press Release:  Ramorum disease, which has caused the early felling of about 2 million Japanese larch trees in the UK, has now been found infecting the European larch species for the first time. Scientists from the Forestry Commission's research agency have confirmed infection by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum in a European larch (Larix decidua) in woodland near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, south-west England, in an area with infected Japanese larch trees nearby. Ben Jones, the Forestry Commission's Phytophthora operations manager, said, "Although it is bad news that this lethal pathogen has proved able to infect yet another tree species, it was not entirely unexpected, given the physiological similarities between European and Japanese larch." Britain's woodland owners and managers have been on high alert since P. ramorum was first found infecting and killing thousands of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) trees in south-west England in 2009, and Mr Jones added, "It is too soon to know how susceptible European larch is to P. ramorum infection, or whether it will be a sporulating host, that is, whether it will produce the spores that spread the pathogen; and if it is, how heavily it will sporulate. "However, in the light of this development we are urging woodland managers once again to be diligent about inspecting their trees regularly for signs of disease and decline, and to report any suspicious symptoms of cankers or dieback on larch to us. "We will be resuming aerial surveys soon, after the trees have flushed with new needles, to look for larch woodlands with symptoms of dieback, and following up with ground inspections to identify the cause of the symptoms." The symptoms of P. ramorum infection in larch include excessive resin bleeding, sunken or cankered areas of bark, wilting of the needles with the tree canopy turning grey, and branch and shoot dieback with a distinctive ginger colour. Source: Comment: The discovery and confirmation of P.Ramorum on albeit one Sitka spruce tree will cause major anxiety to all people connected with forestry in Ireland from growers to contractors, and from consultants to processors.  Sitka spruce is and has been the bread and butter tree of Irish forestry, and is the backbone of our national forest estate comprising over 52% of the total forest area at 327,000 hectares according to the Nation Forest Inventory of 2007 Source: Forest Service.  If the disease was to spread in a similar fashion to Japanese larch it would have serious implications for the thriving forest industry in Ireland which employs 16,000 people and contributes to 1% of GDP.  Let’s hope that it is an isolated case which can be contained and prevented from spreading or developing further. To date it has not been discovered in the UK where there has been more outbreaks of the disease in Japanese larch than here in Ireland.  One might argue that if there has not been a incident of P.Ramorum on SS in the UK to date then this might indicate that the chances of it developing here could be minimal – but who knows . The confirmation of the pathogen on European larch in Cornwall is unfortunate as it had appeared that the species was resistant.  It certainly increases the possibility of the pathogen being discovered in Ireland on Eur. Larch leaving Hybrid larch as the last larch type to be unaffected to date either here or in the UK. News Update - 29/3/11 The Irish Forestry, Woodland & Bio Energy Show 2011 Friday 6th & Saturday 7th May, 2011 - Birr Castle Estate, Birr, County Offaly, Ireland An exciting NEW NATIONAL event which will bring together all aspects of the forestry, woodland and bio energy sectors.      Compact  SITE with mixed conifer and deciduous woodland, eminently suitable for all types of forest machinery demonstrations as well as static displays. EVENT: Main exhibitor area; ITGA conference centre; forest machinery demos; demo arena; woodland trail; National tree climbing competitions; chainsaw carving competitions; the GWYNEDD AXEMEN. CAR PARKING: Free and close to main exhibitors' area. TICKETS: Adults €15; Students/OAP €10; up to two children free but must be accompanied by an adult. EXHIBITOR BOOKINGS: Varied trade sites to suit all types of business big and small; booking forms available on line www.ifwshow.ie or from David Wilkinson  00353 879973608. ACCOMMODATION: www.shannondevelopment.ie/offaly. SUPPORTED BY THE IRISH TIMBER GROWERS ASSOCIATION, THE IRISH FARMERS JOURNAL, TEAGASC, HUSQVARNA, OREGON and ASPEN.    The AIFC will be attending The Irish Forestry, Woodland & Bio Energy Show at Birr Castle Estate, Co. Offaly on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 May 2011, www.ifwshow.ie. The AIFC  is pleased to be involved in the first national forestry show in Ireland in over fourteen years. The show is aimed at a broad spectrum from commercial and recreational growers and woodland managers to environmental associations and enthusiasts. The event also includes the Irish Timber Growers Association conference centre, a demonstration arena, as well as competitions, all focused around the main trade exhibitor area. The show is centrally and accessibly located: in the middle of Ireland; easily reached from the new motorways such as the M6 and the M7. For further information on the show or for directions, site map etc - please see www.ifwshow.ie.    News Update - 12/3/11 Simon Coveney Appointed as new Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney TD has been appointed Minister for Agriculture and will be keeping the forestry brief himself.  This is new departure from recent times where the Junior minister at the Dept. had responsibility for forestry. The AIFC would like to congratulate the new minister and wish him well in his new role and hopefully we will have a briefing with the new minister shortly. News Update – 7/1/2011 Forestry Grants Cut and Premiums Modified In a circular issued on 23/12/10 the Forest Service announced some significant changes and reductions to the afforestation grants especially for unenclosed land, changes to stocking rates for alder, oak and beech and one category premium for all size plantations from now on.  In addition there has been a dramatic cut to the premium for unenclosed land. Changes Grant Rates - Euro/Hectare GPC Species Grant 1 - New Old Rate % Change Grant 2 - New Old Rate % Change 1  Unenclosed 1,500 2,190 - 31% 500 873 -43% 2  Sitka spruce/Lpine 2,200 2,200 0% 700 873 -20% 3  10% Diverse 2,250 2,349 -4% 750 873 -8% 4  Diverse 2,500 2,634 -5% 800 942 -15% 5  Ash/Syc 3,600 3,549 +1% 1,100 1,200 -8% 6  Oak 3,800 4,809 -21% 1,200 1,660 -28% 7  Beech 3,800 5,288 -32% 1,200 1,865 -35% 8  Alder 2,400 3,549 -32% 800 1,200 -34% Notes Stocking for alder has been cut from 3,300 stems per hectares to 2,500 stems per hectare.  Stocking rates for oak and beech have been cut to 3,300 stems per hectare from 4,500 and 5,200 respectfully. Only 20% unenclosed land will be allowed in new applications for approval and for those applications already submitted which have more than 20% unenclosed they will have to be re-submitted and the unenclosed portion reduced. FENCING The fencing allowance which is in addition to the grant of €350/ha. (max) for conifer planting and €450/ha. (max) for broadleaf planting remains in place however if the owner wishes to use IS436 Standard fencing materials an additional €50/ha. can be paid as a top up. Premium Changes/Rates per Ha.   Farmer/Ha. Farmer/Acre Non- Farmer/Ha.  Unenclosed 155 62 126  SS/LP 369 149 181  10% Diverse 427 172 181  Diverse 454 183 181  Ash/Syc 481 194 181  Oak 515 208 195  Beech 515 208 195  Alder 481 194 195 Notes Basically the Forest Service have abolished the <6ha. and >12ha. premium category and are going forward with one category which corresponds to the old >6 and <12ha. category. Comment The manner in which these cuts were introduced was unsatisfactory and underhand to say the least. While the cuts to the stocking rates for alder, oak and beech had been suggested by the industry and the changes to the Uneclosed grants and premiums had been flagged there was no indication given to the  industry that the grant rates for the two main conifer categories would be cut. By opting to launch these changes on the 23/12/10 when most people were winding down for Christmas confirms the secrecy and concealment which will long be associated with these cuts. The decision to slash the Unenclosed category in an indiscriminate way irregardless of location, soil conditions, aspect etc. is unfortunate.  There are for instance many fertile, north facing slopes in Wicklow which have produced in excess of Yield Class 16 for Sitka spruce and even produced excellent crops of Douglas fir on what would be officially classified as Unenclosed.  In addition the decision to force those owners whose applications are in the system and many have already got Technical Approvals to re-submit if there Unenclosed area is greater than 20% is bureaucratic nonsense. The Forest  Service have also seized the opportunity provided by the reduction in stocking rates to cut the grants of alder, oak and beech by way more that the new stocking rates represent. The establishment grant for oak has been cut by over €1,000/ha. however the savings to the owners or forestry businesses by having to plant less oak trees is in the order of €450 to €550/ha.  The same applies more or less to the other species.  In addition the Maintenance grants have been cut by 28% for oak to 35% for alder and beech which is excessive and will lead to a potential reduction in the planting of these three species. The Maintenance grants for the two conifer classes have been cut by 8% - which again will cause hardship to forestry businesses. News Update 07/12/10 Fantastic News on Forestry Budget for 2011 Minister Brendan Smyth announced today that the budget for forestry remains practically unchanged from 2010 at €120 million approximately. Considering the nature of today's budget and the cutbacks introduced across all departments including the Dept. of Agriculture this is a remarkable result. The industry including growers, contractors, consultants will be thrilled with the allocation which should allow for a planting programme in excess of 7,000 hectares. So well done to Minister Connick and his team at the Forest Service who worked very hard in recent months, and a special mention for the much maligned Green Party who not alone prioritised forestry last year in the Renewed Programme for Government but stuck to their guns this year to ensure the result that we got today. Oifig Faisnéise Áras Talmhaíochta Sráid Chill Dara Baile Átha Cliath 2 Tel: (01) 607 2802 Fax: (01) 662 1165 Press/Information Office Agriculture House Kildare Street Dublin 2 E-mail: info@agriculture.gov.ie Website: www.agriculture.gov.ie - PRESS RELEASE - 228/10  BUDGET RECOGNISES KEY ROLE OF AGRI-FOOD SECTOR IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY - MINISTER SMITH                      -  No Change in Payment Level for Main Agriculture Schemes                      -   Agri-Environment Options Scheme to Reopen in 2011                      -  Farm Waste Management Scheme Payments Brought Forward                      -  Total Department Expenditure in 2011 of almost €3 billion The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, today said that “Budget 2011 recognises that agriculture and the agri-food industry has a key role to play in economic recovery, as identified in the Government’s National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. The sector is highly labour intensive and is a vital part of the rural economy.” The Minister said that the Budget and his Department’s Estimate for 2011 complemented the Food Harvest 2020 Report and Bord Bia’s Pathways to Growth strategy. Minister Smith said that “while the Department’s estimate for next year shows a net reduction of 11 per cent, this is largely accounted for by a  reduction in payments under the farm waste management scheme. Meanwhile, spending on a range of areas, including the Disadvantaged Area Scheme (DAS), agri-environment schemes, forestry and fisheries, is being maintained at or very close to 2010 levels. Today’s Estimate is a very clear statement of the Government’s commitment to this vital sector and, including EU-funding of €1.278 billion, my Department’s total expenditure in 2011 will be almost €3 billion.”  Specifically, the Minister pointed out that spending on DAS is being maintained at 2010 levels at €220 million ; spending on agri-environment schemes – Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) – will increase from €330 million to €337 million; forestry and bio-energy expenditure is being reduced by 1.66 per cent, from €121.8 million to €119.8 million; expenditure on fisheries is essentially being maintained at 2010 levels; and there will be a 3.3 per cent reduction in the allocation to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2011 – from €59.3 million to €57.3 million. The Minister also confirmed that up to €100 million of the final instalment of the Farm Waste Management Scheme, which is due to be paid early next year, is now being brought forward to this month.  By the time the final instalment is paid in full, well over €1.1 billion will have been paid, all of which is Exchequer-funded. Minister Smith also confirmed that, with the agreement of the Minister for Finance and within the financial ceilings set out in of the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, he has agreed to a reopening of AEOS in 2011, with participation levels capped at 10,000 and maximum payment levels capped at €5,000.  This level of participation is roughly equivalent to the number of REPS participants who are currently out of contract or whose contracts will have concluded by 15 May 2011, the date by which applications must normally be submitted for participation in agri-environment schemes.  This level of participation is similar to that which applied this year. The 2011 Estimate also provides for bringing forward €32 million for the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme in 2011 to ensure that the Department can make the 2010 and 2011 payments under the Scheme in 2011 (rather than a year in arrears, as has been the practice to date). The Department’s capital budget includes provisions of €19 million for the Department’s Targeted Agricultural Measures, which are focused on supporting productive investment and include a new scheme for dairy farmers to adjust to expanding dairy opportunities; aid for sheep fencing and handling facilities; and animal welfare grants for pig and poultry producers €35 million for Marketing and Processing grants to meet commitments made under the beef, sheep and dairy rationalisation programme. Minister Smith said that “it is especially important, notwithstanding the pressures on the Department’s Vote, that expenditure in 2011 for forestry and bioenergy and fisheries are maintained at very close to 2010 levels and this reflects the important economic and social contributions that both sectors make to rural and coastal communities throughout the country and the potential that they have to play in the wider economy. The funding available for forestry in 2011 will be sufficient for in excess of 7,000 hectares of new planting, which is comparable to the planting target for 2010. Funding for fish processing and aquaculture is being maintained at 2010 levels.”  In addition, the Minister confirmed that the provision for horticulture is being maintained at both 2009 and 2010 levels of €4 million. Referring to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, responsibility for which transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in May 2010, the Minister said that funding of €57.29 million is being provided in 2011.  The Minister described the 3.3 per cent reduction as “a modest reduction, given the pressures on the public finances and reflects the importance of the horse racing and bloodstock sectors, particularly in terms of providing and supporting 16,000 jobs, many in parts of rural Ireland where alternative employment opportunities are limited.” The Minister emphasised that significant savings will also be achieved on the Department’s payroll costs over the period of the Government’s National Recovery Programme 2011-2014.  It is estimated that the Department’s staffing level will have fallen by approximately 240 in 2010 and this rate of reduction is set to continue in 2011.  The Department remains committed to managing its business and ensuring effective service delivery with ongoing reductions in staff resources. Mr Smith also drew attention to the new format in which the Department’s Estimates for 2011 were presented. In additional to the traditional subhead-by-subhead presentation, the 2011 expenditure is also shown across the Department’s four strategic programme areas, into which the various subheads are grouped.  The four programme areas are agri-food policy, development and trade; food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health; rural economy environment and structural change; and direct payments. Minister Smith said that “Food Harvest 2020 sets out a clear pathway for Irish agriculture and the Irish agri-food sector over the next decade, with ambitious but entirely realistic and achievable targets of growing primary output by one-third and our value-added and exports by around 40 per cent.  The Government’s National Recovery Programme 2011-2014 recognises the contribution that the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors can make to the recovery of this country’s economy and the enormous social and economic contribution to rural and coastal communities throughout the country.  Today’s Budget and the spending estimates for 2011 are a logical next step in providing for the future development of the sector and are a further recognition of its value and its potential in playing such a key role in economic recovery over the next few years.” 7 December, 2010 ENDS News Update 24/11/10 Meltdown ? The Dept. of Agriculture budget for 2011 was cut today from €350m to €299m a 15% reduction approx. There was no breakdown given today so we don’t know for sure what budget the Forest Service will get. If the budget indicated in July of €89 m is cut by 15% it will leave only €75m for 2011 which would mean no money for afforestation or indeed anything else except premium payments and Form 3’s. Intensive lobbying had taken place since July to secure a budget that would allow for a 7,000 ha. programme at least. With the Green’s now gone the commitment made in the Programme for Government in 2009 to plant 10,000ha. per annum are probably now academic. Notwithstanding this we will all have to continue to lobby and fight because this is our livelihood which is at stake. An €89 million budget would have been a disaster, a €75 million budget if that is what we end up is nothing short of a catastrophe. News Update 04/11/10 Forest Service bans the planting of Japanese Larch in response to threat from P.Ramorum. In a circular issued on 3/11/10 in response to the discovery of Phytophthora ramorum on Japanese larch plantations in some southern and south eastern counties the Forest Service have decided to ban Japanese larch as an approved species.  As a result no more Japanese larch will be planted on sites that are subject to grant aid from the FS.  In addition the FS have also banned the replanting of Jap larch associated with Felling Licence obligations so if Japanese larch is felled under a Felling Licence then an alternative species will have to be replanted.  The FS have introduced new rules regarding afforestation under of the old 20% Diverse category and for reforestation:    1.  Former 20% Diverse Category          This category has been changed to a 10% Diverse classification.          Where conifers constitute all or part of a plantation the conifers must contain a minimum of 10% diverse          conifers (i.e. approved conifer species other than Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine and Japanese larch).          In intimately mixed plots the diverse conifer species may be substituted by broadleaves from Table 7, Forestry          Schemes Manual, and birch and rowan, planted in groups.  These broadleaves must be silviculturally suited to          the site.  Broadleaves adjacent to roads and watercourses may also form part of this 10%.  However this          substitution is in addition to the 10% broadleaved requirement outlined in Rule 1 for plantations greater          than 3 ha.          Outstanding Form 2s and Form 3s that have Japanese larch should be submitted as normal.  Any disease          symptoms should be reported on the form.  Where there are remedial works requiring filling in of Japanese larch          this can now be substituted with other species (including Sitka spruce) to comply with the new regime.  Where          Japanese larch is already planted and is not infected there is no requirement to remove them.    2.  Reforestation Policy          The Department is responsible for issuing Felling Licences with replanting conditions following the clearfell of          forest areas.  The Department with immediate effect will cease including Japanese larch as a species to be          replanted, as a licence condition.          The Department advises owners, who currently have a felling licence with a replanting condition including          Japanese larch, that other diverse conifer tree species or broadleaf species suited to the site may be          substituted for the Japanese larch specified in the replanting condition.  The Department will inform Felling          licence holders of this policy change. Comment For what it’s worth the decision to introduce a complete ban on the planting of Jap Larch seems to be a pretty drastic response.  Whatever about not allowing the replanting of JL on infected sites and even new sites adjacent to outbreak areas – banning the afforestation of JL on all virgin sites seems to be an excessive reaction especially when the Forestry Commission in the UK has not deemed it appropriate to implement a similar ban despite the fact that the disease is more widespread there.  Perhaps those parts of Ireland where there have been no suspected outbreaks could have been excluded. In relation to the alternative species proposed to replace JL – there has always been an issue with the survival rates of bare root birch.  It is a tricky species to establish bare root and ideally only cell grown birch should be used. Finally are we going to draw the ire of our environmental friends by halving the diverse element of a typical SS crop from 20% to 10%?  The industry was not clamouring for this and everybody from foresters to contractors and growers had used to the 20% mixture in the past 10 years.  In addition the visual improvement to the appearance of our conifer plantations by the infusion of a 20% larch mix was becoming increasingly evident as the earlier examples of this pattern reached thicket stage. News Update 21/10/10 Minister Releases Funding for Afforestation of 1,500 ha. in Autumn 2010 Seán Connick TD announced today that he was providing sufficient finding to plant 1,500 ha. this autumn up until 31/21/2010. No financial approvals have been issued since the summer so the way is now open for financial approvals to issue upon application by the landowner and his or her forester. A new system for allocating financial approvals will be in place from 26/10/10 whereby the owner will have to commit and then verify that operations will start and have started within two weeks of making the application for finance. If an applicant applies and doesn’t start within the two week period then the approval will be withdrawn. Comment Good but not entirely unexpected news today so thanks to Minster Connick and his team for all their efforts to secure a viable autumn planting programme. The bigger issue now is what is going to happen for/in 2011 as there is mounting speculation that the grant and/or premium rates may be cut for 2011 and beyond. For those landowners who have a technical approval they should apply for their financial approval now in conjunction with their AIFC consultant, and get their plantation established by the 31/12/10 because there will be no extensions beyond the end of 2010, and at least they know now that they will qualify for existing grant and premium rates. Once 2011 kicks in all bets will be off ! 28/09/10 Potential Positive News on Forestry Budget Green Party spokesperson of forestry and former Junior Minister Trevor Sargent TD has certainly given our industry a much needed boost with his recent statement on forestry published below. Hopefully the Green Party will now follow through on this statement and the commitment they gave to forestry in last year’s Programme for Government to ensure a realistic budget for 2011 and beyond. Forestry 25% up on 2009 levels – Sargent Issued: 23 September 2010 Statement by Trevor Sargent Spokesperson on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Greens welcome FG's new-found interest in forestry and climate change The Green Party has said that forest plantings were 25% above 2009 levels and that work was well underway in Government to deliver on the forestry commitments contained in the 2009 Renewed Programme For Government. "By establishing a 10,000 ha planting target in the Renewed Programme for Government and ensuring this target was acknowledged in the 2010 Budget, the Green Party raised the prominence of the forestry industry and its potential to a new level," Green Party Agriculture Spokesperson Trevor Sargent TD said. Speaking from the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Deputy Sargent added: "Although we are some months away from establishing how many trees were planted this year, I understand that forest plantings rates are running well ahead of last year. It is likely that 8,000 ha will be planted and this would represent a 25% increase on 2009 and commensurate with the PFG commitment for 2010. In addition the policy reviews in the Renewed Programme For Government are well advanced and the outcome of that work will soon emerge. "The Green Party has for many years been an advocate of prioritising forestry both for the potential sustainable employment it provides and the huge environmental benefits that it delivers. We will continue to work in government and with the forestry industry to fully exploit this potential and it’s central role in fighting climate change. Dismissing opposition criticisms as "shallow and political point scoring", Deputy Sargent said: "I was amused to hear Fine Gael begin to talk about the potential of forestry this week and the importance of action to tackle climate change. I welcome their newfound interest in the forestry industry. It’s a pity that they didn’t wake up to this potential years ago. From a party that opposed the carbon levy, Planning Bill, PSO levy, and many other important policies aimed at tackling climate change, their declarations on this issue are less than convincing. "We recognise that the budgetary situation is challenging but the Green Party remains committed to achieving and building on the Programme for Government targets. We will pursue all avenues and other fiscal measures to deliver on this important commitment," he concluded. 13/09/10 PRESS RELEASE TREE planting set for a return to 1947 level The total area of new forests established in Ireland in 2011 will be the lowest since 1947 unless the Capital Expenditure Budget for Forestry in 2011 is increased by at least €25 million.  A budget of €89 million has been allocated for forestry in 2011 however €80 – 82 million is required annually for existing commitments which fall due in 2011 leaving a balance of €7 -9 million.  If there is no increase the industry will only be able to plant between 1,800 and 2,500 hectares. We have to go all the way back to 1947 when there was just 2,350 hectares planted to find a smaller afforestation programme.  This will be a disaster for the forest industry and the country and will affect the livelihoods of many people employed in forestry mainly in rural Ireland.  In recent years due to uncertainty about annual budgets planting levels dipped to an average of 7,000 hectares annually from a high of 15,000 hectares in the 1990,s and early part of the last decade.  There has been however a surge of interest in new planting and the industry believes that 10,000 to 12,500 hectares or more could be achieved every year if there is a sufficient budget in place. If there is no change to the proposed budget there will be major job losses in the industry which currently employs 12,000 people, and our carbon emissions bill will increase as we need to plant 15,000 hectares a year to maintain the carbon sequestration potential of our forests. The AIFC is calling on the Departments of Finance and Agriculture to restore the forestry budget to this year’s level of €120 million and honour it’s commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government to plant a minimum of 10,000 hectares.  If not we will be back to where were in 1947. 18/08/10 Disease found in Japanese Larch Trees in Ireland The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is currently investigating a small number of cases of a disease affecting mainly Japanese larch trees in the Tipperary/Waterford region. The disease is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus like organism that can damage and kill trees and plants it infects. Following findings of the pathogen in Japanese larch trees in Great Britain in autumn 2009, the Department, on a precautionary basis, initiated a special survey here of Japanese larch growing adjacent to areas where rhododendron infected with P. ramorum had already been detected. In addition to the findings in a small number of larch trees, beech trees which were growing in proximity to the infected larch trees were also found to be infected as were two noble fir trees. Japanese larch trees represent some 3% of the total forest tree population in Ireland. The bulk of the wood from infected trees can be used in the normal way provided the necessary hygiene measures are taken at felling and in sawmills. There has also been a finding in Northern Ireland and the Department is liaising closely with the NI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Department is taking all necessary measures to establish the extent of the infection and to control the spread of the disease. COMMENT Phytophthora ramorum was first discovered in the USA where is has been the cause of  mortality to Native American oaks especially in California.  It has now been confirmed as present in many European states including Ireland and the UK however thankfully the amount of oak trees which have been affected here or in the UK to date have been minimal. The fungus infects and kills rhododendron and viburnum and any oak trees which have become infected in the UK were adjacent to infected rhododendron. In July 2009 the pathogen was discovered on Japanese larch trees in the South West of England and also in Wales where it is now reckoned to be serious threat.  The fact that the DEFRA the Department of Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK have now got a support programme in place for the owners of infected stands to the tune of £600,000 is in indication of the potential scale of the problem.  Owners with infected stands have access to professional advice on the felling and marketing of infected trees so as to comply with biosecurity  and other regulations.  It has also been discovered on Douglas Fir recently in the UK. Larch infected with P. Ramorum © CONFOR Larch needle wilt© Forestry Commission UK Infected larch stem ©Forestry Commission UK So if you see any evidence of the symptoms shown here on your larch plantation you should contact the Forest Service straightaway, or your local AIFC member. 27/7/10 Major Threat to Future of Forestry In the Review of Capital Expenditure published yesterday the forestry budget has been cut substantially for 2011 and also for subsequent years. If this cutback is implemented it will be nothing short of a disaster for our industry.  Bearing in mind that € 82 million approximately was required this year to pay premiums and maintenance grants, a budget of €89 million would leave a balance of € 7 million which would pay for an afforestation programme of 2,000 hectares approximately. This compares with an expected planting programme of 7,500 hectares this year, and a planned 10,000 hectare programme for the next 10 years. In addition no money would be available for roads or any of the support schemes. This proposed budget is obviously seriously at odds with the targets for afforestation in Renewed Programme for Government 2009, and indeed with the recommendations outlined for forestry in last week’s Food Harvest 2020 document – the primary recommendation being: DAFF and Industry should further explore measures to bring about a significant increase in the annual afforestation level per annum to 2020. DAFF will continue to examine more efficient methods of increasing the planting level in view of its urgency. The Committee recommends the adoption of the target planting rates for afforestation to be agreed in the parallel Forestry Review due to report by end-2010. As a matter of urgency DAFF need to clarify if Reprioritised Envelope 2010-2016 is now the official budgetary position for Forestry in 2011 and beyond, and more acutely if € 89 is going to be our allocation next year. The implications for everybody in our industry are horrendous from nursery suppliers to contractors to forestry consultants. The AIFC have sent a communication to Seán Connick TD - Minister Has Afforestation a Future ?                   of State with responsibility for Forestry outlining our grave concerns about this development which threatens all our livelihoods. We will also be seeking a meeting ASAP. 19/07/10 Forest Roads The Forest Road scheme was re-opened by the Forest Service in May/June and a high percentage of the applications which were in the pipeline were approved.  The scheme is now suspended once again even though new applications are being accepted and processed, but no new approvals are being issued.  There is an expectation however that the scheme might be re-opened again for a short period before the end of the summer and that new approvals will be issued. One reason for this expectation is the change in the method of grant payments.  As highlighted previously roading grants will now be paid in two instalments – 80% following the completion of the road to the required standard and 20% i.e the second instalment once at least 50% of the plantation which the road is servicing has been harvested.  In addition in order to receive the second instalment the conditions attached to the felling licence especially the environmental conditions must have been adhered to, and the condition of the road post-harvesting should be sufficient to enable emergency vehicles to pass.  There is a view that the conditions associated with claiming the second instalment will prevent some approvals from going ahead thus leading to the possibility of the scheme re-opening for a short period.     Hen Harrier SPA’s (Special Protection Areas) – Update A protocol was agreed between the Forest Service and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2007 concerning the prohibition of afforestation in Hen Harrier SPA’s in counties Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, Offaly, Laois, Clare, Galway and Monaghan. This protocol for better or worse whereby the NPWS vetted all applications for afforestation and applied a quota to the amount of hectares that could be afforested in or adjacent to the SPA’s has lasted until now.  However the development and increase in the number of wind farms since 2007 in hen harrier areas has complicated the issue and as a result the 2007 protocol has been abandoned and a new protocol will have to be adopted in time for the 2010/11 planting season. In the meantime all decisions on afforestation in Hen Harrier SPA’s are currently on hold as and from 5/7/2010. The Forest Service will now seek information from local authorities concerning new wind farm developments and following consultation with NPWS draw up the new protocol. The problem with wind turbines is that research has shown that Hen Harriers stay at least 250 metres back from the turbine which in practice sterilises an area of 6.25 hectares. Farmer Definition – Proposed Change In a bid to simplify the process of qualifying as a farmer for the purposes of claiming  the farmers premium, and to eliminate spurious applications which have got through in the past ( including some high profile examples) the Forest Service are proposing the following changes which have been the subject of consultation with the industry: 1.   Where a herd number is being submitted as proof of farmer status it must have been active for a continuous       period of 24 months prior to the date of planting. 2.   The TF2 form which can be submitted as proof of farming activity must be signed by a local member of the       Agricultural Consultants Association. 3.   Applicants who have ceased farming for a number of years and are in receipt of a State Pension or Disability       Allowance may qualify for the farmer rate on the basis of a TF1 (Special) from TEAGASC provided they own or       jointly own at least three hectares of agricultural land, have not availed of Farm Retirement Scheme and be able       to prove that they have a history of active farming for a certain period prior to ceasing farming.  Dept. .of Agr.       Records, tax returns and TEAGASC records may be used to support such applications.  In certain cases the       widow of an above may also qualify. Launch of Food Harvest 2020 The Dept of Agriculture launched its vision for the agri, fisheries and forestry business until 2020 yesterday following a long consultative process and the submission of 200 written documents from various agencies, stakeholders and members of the public. The forest industry was included for the first time and was represented at committee level by Brendan Lacey of the ITGA.  The following is the recommendations relating to forestry and bio-energy from Food Harvest 2020. Recommendations – Forestry/Bioenergy As with all the sectoral analyses, the recommendations to realise the potential of the forestry and bioenergy sector should be considered in tandem with the general farm and industry level recommendations set out in Section 3. Restoring Competitiveness DAFF and Industry should further explore measures to bring about a significant increase in the annual afforestation    level per annum to 2020. DAFF will continue to examine more efficient methods of increasing the planting level in    view of its urgency. The Committee recommends the adoption of the target planting rates for afforestation to be    agreed in the parallel Forestry Review due to report by end-2010. Industry should promote producer groups in order to reduce management costs and increase the marketability of    timber from private forests. DAFF should continue to support the provision of the forest road network, while also evaluating new infrastructure    systems. Industry and representative organisations should support operator training and education. Teagasc and the relevant third-level institutions should ensure relevant and up-to-date training to meet new    developments. DAFF should continue to support the growing bioenergy sector through the Bioenergy Scheme, co-funded by the    EU under the Rural Development Programme. Supply chain mechanisms should be developed to ensure biomass crops are brought to market and full market    returns realised. The relevant state agencies, growers and the timber-processing sector should collaborate to improve and develop    the timber supply chain to reduce costs and increase efficiencies. DAFF should lead an intensive marketing campaign on the benefits of farm forestry, including supplying the    bioenergy market to attract new entrants. Environmental issues DAFF and the relevant State agencies should continue to research the ability of forestry to sequester carbon and    the extent to which it can help to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and the non-emissions    trading sector in general. DAFF and the relevant State agencies should consider the development of a national certification standard for    sustainable forestry management. The Industry should plant more broadleaf varieties to improve biodiversity and leisure benefits. Research and Development The timber processing sector industry should invest in R&D and innovation to assist product development and    forestry management. Teagasc should continue to research the potential of crops to provide energy and develop efficient production,    harvesting and storage methods. DAFF, via the COFORD research programme, should continue to support sustainable and competitive forestry    practices and policies that contribute to building and maintaining a knowledge economy and scientific research in    a vibrant forestry sector. 26/4/2010 Re-opening of Forest Road Scheme It is expected that the forest road scheme will be reopened shortly and approvals will issue in chronological order with an expiry date of 31st December 2010.  Due to current budgetary constraints it will not be possible to provide additional funding for Special Construction Works.  Roads approved that require Special Construction Works must be built to the required standard with no additional grant aid provided in excess of €45 per metre. It should be noted that the grant will payable in two instalments of 80% and 20% respectively. The first instalment will be paid on successful completion of the road to the standard outlined in the approval letter and the COFORD Forest Road Manual. The second instalment will be paid when at least half of the area served by the road is harvested. The Forest Road Scheme is a cost based scheme and grants are paid based on 80% of total costs subject to a maximum rate of €45 per metre. If a road is not going ahead after being approved the applicant should notify the Forest Service straightaway. 15/4/10 Minister officially launches our new Website ! Seán Connick TD the Minister of State at the Dept. of Agriculture with responsibility for Forestry formally launched our website at the Forest Service Building in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford this week.

Our chairman Seán Lenihan and secretary Donal Fitzpatrick presented the minister with a very exclusive and much sought after AIFC fleece at the end of the launch.

AIFC Chairman meets new minister in Gorey. Seán Lenihan, Chairman of the AIFC had a meeting with our new forestry minister Seán Connick TD in Gorey yesterday 1/4/10.  At the meeting Seán congratulated the new appointee and heartily welcomed to the "forestry family"  He also briefed the minister about the AIFC and our role in the forest industry and highlighted the current issues which are causing concern to our members and clients.  The chairman got a good hearing from the new minister who said he was delighted to have the forestry brief, that he had a lot of reading to do about our industry but that he believed there was genuine opportunities for forestry to grow and develop into a major indigenous industry – and so say all of us ! He also agreed to formally launch our new website probably on the 12/4/2010

National Forestry Policy Submission
INTRODUCTION
The Association of Irish Forestry Consultants (AIFC) represent the forest consultancy profession in Ireland with a membership that has a nationwide presence and a client base of over 1,700 forest owners.

It is our aim to promote the interests of our clients, the industry and the benefits of forestry in general to the nation.  We work closely with the Self Assessment Forestry Companies and have links to the ACA – the Agricultural Consultants Association, however ultimately we promote our organisation as being:

PROFESSIONAL, INDEPENDENT & LOCAL
Our members come from different forestry backgrounds.  Some have worked for the State, others for the private sector and some have an academic or forest research background.  We have pooled our experience and by drawing on the better aspects of our previous careers, listening to our customers and trying hard to be creative we have succeeded in attracting customers from all over the country.

SUBMISSION
For our submission on Forest Policy we are focusing on three key areas as opposed to trying to focus on every area to do with forest policy. Fundamentally we believe that the state should continue to support forestry by way of afforestation grants, tax-free premiums and support/ancillary grants.  Successive studies and reports have shown that the state has received and will continue to receive real value for money, and very real solutions to the problem of lowering our carbon emissions from forestry.

The three areas we are focusing on are:
1. Promotion and Development of a Forestry Culture in Ireland
2. Market Led Species Selection. 
3. Establishment of Forest and Wood Promotion Agency

1. Promotion and Development of a Farm Forestry Culture in Ireland
Starting with the Western Package Scheme and firmed up by consecutive new schemes especially the first CAP scheme in 1994 there has been a transformation in forest ownership in Ireland. In 1988 out of a total forest area of 450,000 hectares 25% or 112,000 ha.was private.  By 2008 however private plantations accounted for 45% of the total forest area of 730,000 ha. at 332,000 ha.  Despite a major dip in planting levels in the past five years there is no doubt that forestry has been a success story and to go from 5% forest cover in 1970 to over 10% in 2008 is a remarkable and noteworthy achievement.

Over 14,000 private landowners have established forest plantations on their land and successive surveys have shown that the main reason for planting was the tax-free forest premiums.  The long term benefits from the sale of timber from the plantations was never considered, and in many cases once the annual premium was paid every year plantation owners took little interest in how their forests were performing to the detriment of the actual plantation in some instances. This lack of interest or focus on the end product has resulted in underperforming/patchy crops which will not full realise their potential by way of volume production. While the percentage of such crops might be low - even a rate of 5% (and undoubtedly the figure is higher) represents almost 17,000 hectares of sub-standard plantations.

On the other hand owners who have now completed their first thinning either in conifer crops or even fast growing ash or sycamore crops are beginning to substantially appreciate the asset they have created on their farms.  For those owners especially who were materially involved in part or all of the harvesting process the appreciation, anticipation and excitement of future revenues is even more acute.

Many growers will now admit that they never ever thought about their forest as a productive crop which could be harvested like any other farm crop. Some owners were able to supply all their firewood needs for two/three years and sell the surplus thus creating a new revenue stream on their farm.

So what we are now seeing is the emergence of an embryonic farm forestry culture.

Like any other embryo it needs to be nurtured to enable to it to grow, thrive and mature. The strategic objective of this nurturing policy would be a fully functioning farm forestry culture with an infrastructure to match. While it might never attain Scandinavian or Bavarian heights the potential benefits of an indigenous Irish farm forestry culture would be enormous.  For existing growers it would endorse their original decision to plant and probably convince them to plant more land. Their positive experience would encourage new entrants into the market who unlike their pioneering neighbours many years previous would have access to the latest market information, timber prices, non-timber revenues via leisure pursuits etc.

In practical terms one of the indications of a thriving farm forestry culture would be that the latest timber and firewood prices would be the subject of everyday conversation among farmers as much as the latest beef, lamb or corn prices.

The benefits to the state of a thriving farm forestry culture would include annual planting programmes of 10,000 ha plus, a significant increase in employment levels at every stage from establishment to harvesting to processing, very significant reduction in carbon emissions and replacement of imported fossil fuels with wood fuel in increasing quantities. In addition the state would get a better return from their investment as plantation owners would take a bigger interest in their crops, manage them more intensely, employ professional foresters post establishment in order to maximise timber volumes and revenues.

The more timber that is produced per hectare planted the more the state will get by way of direct and indirect taxes.

To achieve this major objective will need a combination of promotion, and direct support by way of targeted, realistically funded support grants.   Promotion via an intensive marketing campaign in the media and supported by ongoing word of mouth from existing growers on the benefits of farm forestry would have as its objective to educate and excite potential new growers with a creative advertising campaign utilising TV, radio and the mainstream print media.

This campaign would compliment the existing pioneering efforts of county based producer groups and co-ops in various parts of the country, the practical demonstrations and field days undertaken by TEAGASC and the excellent promotion of forestry by key journalists in the Farming Independent and Farmers Journal. 

While resources for promotion and advertising are currently scarce a switch however in emphasis from afforestation to the utilisation/exploitation of the existing resource should not undermine the annual planting programme especially as most landowners are well aware of the premiums and benefits of forestry at this stage, and there is, and will continue to be a surge in new applications as traditional farm enterprises continue to experience difficulties.

In order to fund a prolonged promotional campaign a levy could be imposed and collected by the processors/sawmills on each cubic metre or metric tonne of lumber delivered to the mill.

In order to establish and consolidate an Irish farm forestry culture existing growers need to be able to improve/harvest their crops at the optimum time. In order to improve/harvest their crops growers need support grants like high pruning, shaping and thinning (for broadleaves) and roading grants for both conifers and broadleaves.

The suspension of the shaping and high pruning grants and the stop- go nature of roading grants undermine confidence and potentially nip the embryonic farm forestry culture in the bud.  In addition the quality of the crops will suffer as a result of delayed thinnings, non-shaping of broadleaves, no high pruning of conifers etc. and non-thinning of broadleaves due to the ridiculously small grant of €750 per hectare which doesn’t even approach the actual costs.  If we don’t get sufficient funding for these support grants the state will have only succeeded in funding the establishment of very expensive scrub or firewood crops in many cases especially with our broadleaves. When one considers the scale of the investment by the state in for example a hectare of ash on average over 20 years at almost €15,000 surely it makes sense to protect or in effect to insure this investment by the provision of realistic support grants at the critical first thinning stage. To this end we believe that the broadleaf thinning grant should be increased to € 2,000 per ha. at the earliest opportunity which is the figure that was mooted prior to the economic downturn. If this can be done we are well on our way to establishing an indigenous Farm Forestry Culture.

Once an indigenous Farm Forestry Culture becomes established everything else will follow on and develop organically. New growers will be pulled in to forestry, new processing outlets will be set up country wide, new opportunities will be generated for mechanical engineering firms, new wood fuel products will be developed and new export opportunities will open up.  In addition a thriving Farm Forestry Culture will contribute in no small way to safeguarding the future of rural farm families and their communities.

The promotion and development of a vibrant Farm Forestry Culture in Ireland over the next 10 years should be a cornerstone of a new National Forest Policy.

2. Market Led Species Selection
There is no doubt that our industry has been production led in the past 25 years. In other words we grew what we wanted or what suited us to grow without taking into account what the market actually needed. In most cases this worked out fine with conifers as the market needed and will continue to need white deal which is produced by our spruce species mainly Sitka spruce, and to a lesser extent Norway spruce which is the original white deal.

However to take one glaring example which demonstrates the industry’s failure to respond to market demand is in the case of Douglas Fir.  There has always been a strong market demand for Douglas fir - but we are not growing it. There is also a premium price available for DF both for construction/ indoor panelling/exposed beams and an exceptional premium price still available for DF suitable for transmission poles.  Even when the timber trade is going through a difficult period Douglas fir always attracts buyers who area prepared to pay this premium price.  One of the main reasons why there has been a serious decline in DF afforestation in its traditional home of Wicklow/Wexford and the greater SE region is deer damage. The deer population has continued to multiply every year and is a major cause of sapling losses in not alone newly planted forests but even thicket and pole stage crops.  Deer fencing however can prevent damage and especially now when there is deer fencing grants available there is no reason why there should not be a significant increase in DF afforestation if the will and encouragement is there.  Many top class DF sites have been planted with SS/JL in the past 20 years because of the threat of deer damage. however these crops are now being attacked by the deer population to the point where it is nearly impossible to plant certain large parts of County Wicklow even with SS/JL without erecting a deer fence.  Surely it makes sense that if a landowner has to deer fence for SS/JL he or she might as well plant DF if the site is suitable as the potential return will be much greater. 

This is where we the forest industry need something similar to what the horticulture industry had in Bord Glas, the food industry with Bord Bia and so on – to direct our production based on a market led philosophy, to seek out export markets for our timber especially DF which is not grown in Scandinavia or to any great extent in mainland Europe. 

Another species which has a potential higher end value than SS is Western Red Cedar, it can grow on a variety of sites and is an extremely attractive timber which can be used for outdoor cladding and decorative features as it was to great effect in the JFK Park in New Ross where it still looks well and continues to provide the functionality that the architects design required back when the park first opened in the late 1960’s.  However once again we are ignoring the potential of an alternative species which can produce a higher end value to the grower.

In relation to broadleaves we find more examples of production led silviculture especially in relation to the afforestation of alder and to a lesser extent sycamore.

According to Forest Service statistics there was 2,227 ha. of broadleaves planted in 2008 of which 48% comprised ash, oak, beech and sycamore. The remaining 52% is categorised as other broadleaves and there is no doubt that alder constitutes probably 90% of this figure.  Between the years 1998 and 2008 there was a total of 25,000 ha. Approximately of broadeaves planted and by extrapolation we can assume that alder comprises 12,000 to 13,000 ha. of this figure. It is accepted that there are many sites or parts of sites are only suitable for alder due to wet or inferior soil conditions but there are many other sites where an alternative and more valuable broadleaf species could have been selected.

Two species which have a very high end value and for which there is a massive international demand are cherry and walnut. On the right site both species are fast growing and can produce a significant volume of timber in relatively short rotations i.e. 60 – 70 years or less.  Cherry has suffered from canker attacks in the past but there are fast growing clones available in the UK and Germany which have proven to be very resistant to canker and which deliver a much higher yield class than conventional stock.  Walnut produces the most valuable timber of any broadleaf grown in the British Isles and on the right site will produce yield class 8/10 but it is not even listed as an acceptable species by the Forest Service.  Neither is Southern Beech which has produced YC 20 in trials in the UK and which produces a very acceptable timber suitable for flooring, furniture and turnery.

No business/industry can survive or grow if it remains production led. There needs to be a review of our species portfolio and a gradual conversion to a market led species selection programme.  Otherwise we are ignoring lucrative market opportunities to produce high value crops which other countries are not in a position to do and which because of the quality of the land we are and have been planting can accommodate these high value producing species.

3. Establishment of a Forest/Wood Promotion & Marketing Agency
A new agency is required to do for the forest /wood industry in part or in full what an Bord Bia does for the food industry, what NDC does for the dairy industry, what Failte Ireland does for the tourism industry. The Forest Service does a fine job as regards the regulation and administration of the various grant schemes and felling licences, the protection of our forest resource by monitoring timber and plant imports at our ports.  However despite the best intentions of the FS and the aspirations stated on their webpages they have not been able to fulfil this critical promotional and marketing role which our industry desperately needs and which agencies like an Bord Bia are highly successful at for their particular industry. The new agency would act as a link between the industry and potential/existing customers for nursery products, timber products, technical services, forest machine products, forest tourism products etc. Some of its functions would be:

1. Communicating the success story that forestry is in Ireland to the public and the media at every opportunity and
    counteracting inaccurate/misleading information whenever it is presented in the media.
2. Promotion of forestry as an alternative land use among farmers and landowners
3. Promotion and development of a Farm Forestry Culture in Ireland
4. Creating/directing a market led species selection programme
5. Developing new markets for Irish forest products and services both here and abroad
6. Identifying import substitution opportunities for the forest industry.

The new agency could be funded in part by levies imposed on timber sales, forest premiums, carbon credits etc.
If our industry is to move on to the next level especially now as more and more of our private plantations reach the production stage, we need a new agency to drive and direct all involved and to encourage and promote innovation at every point in the forest industry chain.

Seán J. Lenihan M.Sc.Agr.(For.)                Donal Fitzpatrick B.Agr.Sc.(For.)
Chairman AIFC                                        Secretary AIFC

24/3/10
New Forestry Minister Appointed
Seán Connick TD from New Ross in County Wexford has been appointed as a junior minister at the Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with responsibility for fisheries and forestry. He becomes the third TD from Wexford to assume responsibility for forestry in the past 10 years following in the footsteps of Hugh Byrne and John Brown.                            
So congratulations to the new minister and every success in his new position, and remember that forestry is a big part of his new role and not to spend all his time in Kilmore Quay - he will need to get out to Carrickbyrne, the White Mountain and Croghan as well ! 

Judging by the above photograph the new minister is already a seasoned forestry man ! 

The AIFC would also like to thank the outgoing minister Tony Killeen TD for all his hard work on behalf of Irish forestry and to wish him all the best in his new position as Minister for Defence.

Broadleaf Thinning and Tending Scheme Open for 2010
The Forest Service are now accepting applications for the above scheme for the current year.  A budget of € 750,000 has been allocated to cover the tending/thinning of 1,000 hectares.  So if you have a broadleaf plantation which is on average over 8 metres in height now is the time to get your application in.

Forest Service Ruling on FEPS Payments
The Forest Service have clarified the rules on the payment of the FEPS top-up premium.  This clarification was sought for those farmers who were or are still in REPS 3 and who planted under FEPS but who failed to get into REPS 4.
The ruling is that if you are not in receipt of a REPS payment you will not receive a FEPS payment.  So for those farmers who had 2/3 years to go in REPS 3 and then planted under FEPS expecting to get five years of FEPS payments by moving into REPS 4 - their FEPS top up will finish when their REPS 3 payments finish. In addition to compound the bad news the Forest Service have announced that there will be no link between FEPS and the new Agri-Environment Scheme.

New Rules for Commencement of Planting after Approval
The Forest Service are implementing a new system for the commencement of planting from April 1 2010. 

1. A landowner with a technical afforestation/FEPS/Native Woodland Establishment approval will submit an
    FAI 1 form signed by the landowner and his approved forester stating that work will start within 7 days
    and requesting the Forest Service to reserve funding for 7 days. 

2. Within 7 days of submitting the FAI 1 and afater works have commenced the landowner and forester will
    submit an FAI 2 form stating that works have started and will be completed by the set date.  Funding will
    then be allocated to the site and the Forest Service will confirm this by e-mail or post.  

PENALTIES 
If the forester does not submit an FAI 2 form within 7 days of submitting the FAI 1 form the funding will be suspended for at least 30 days until when a new FAI 1 form can be submitted. 

If following the submission of an FAI 2 form it is discovered that works never started then the funding will be withdrawn  a new FAI 1 application will not be accepted for 6 months.

14/12/09
Very Acceptable Budget for 2010
The Forest Service budget of €120 million for 2010 has come in at approximately the same level as 2009 with perhaps a slight increase. €105 million will be allocated to new planting which will enable 7,000 hectares to be established.
€9m will be allocated to Roading, Reconstitution and Thinning of Broadleaves and over €5m has been allocated to research and inventory.

Comment
This is excellent news considering the state of the Public Finances. It doesn't cover the 10,000 hectares programmes committed to in the Renewed Programme for Government however there is no doubt that if the Green Party had not succeeded in the prioritisation of forestry in the PFG we would not have received €120 million for 2010.  So well done to the Greens and indeed to Minister Tony Killeen who fought the good fight to secure this very acceptable outturn.

23/11/09
Extension Available for Broadleaf Thinning Approvals
Following representations made by the AIFC (the Association of Irish Forestry Consultants) the Forest Service has agreed to extend the completion date for Broadleaf Tending/Thinning Approvals from 31/12/2009 to 30/4/2010 by request. This is not a blanket extension foresters will have to request an extension for each approval which needs the additional time.

Comment
This is very good news and full marks to the Forest Service for agreeing to this request. Problems have arisen with the delays in issuing the felling licences associated with the Tending/Thinning Approval, which in some cases were taking two to three months to arrive after the approval had been issued. Combined with a scarcity of harvesting infrastructure on the ground, very bad weather conditions and difficulties in setting a fair price with the forest owner due to the low level of grant provided delays have been inevitable. However with the new deadline extended to April 2010 it should enable all or the vast majority of sites to be thinned.

04/09/08
Launch of new name at Ploughing Championships !!
The forestry consultancy profession in Ireland have selected a new name for their organisation, and will now be known as the Association of Irish Forestry Consultants or AIFC.  The new name and livery will be launched at the AIFC stand in the forestry section of the trade stand area at the National Ploughing Championships in Kilkenny.  Tony Killeen T.D, the Junior Minister at the Dept. of Agriculture with responsibility for Forestry will formally make the launch on the 24/9/08.

The Association of Irish Forestry Consultants is affiliated to the Society of Irish Foresters which is the representative body for the forestry profession in Ireland. All members must be graduate foresters with a Third Level Qualification, hold Professional Indemnity Insurance, and undertake Continuous Professional Development.
.

AIFC members provide a full range of forestry services from establishment to harvesting, and specialise in post-establishment management including 10 year Mgt. Plans. Members are located nationwide and pride themselves on being Professional, Independent and Local. With the launch of their new name, AIFC members are looking forward to maintaining and developing the high standard, and unique forestry service they offer to their clients - old and new.   The AIFC look forward to meeting our clients and all parties with an interest in forestry at our stand in Kilkenny. End.

Peter O' Brien Chairman of AIFC with Tony Killeen T.D.