New online initiative to encourage farmers to ‘explore forestry’ option
The hub brings together clear, practical information on Ireland's Forestry Programme in one place, including grants and schemes, forest types, financial supports, and the steps involved in planting
A new Forestry for You online hub has been launched, alongside its first forestry ambassador initiative to help farmers, landowners and communities explore the opportunities forestry can offer.
The initiative was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD.
The hub brings together clear, practical information on Ireland's Forestry Programme in one place, including grants and schemes, forest types, financial supports, and the steps involved in planting.
The forestry ambassador initiative features three farmers who have established a range of forests, from native woodland with species, such as oak and birch to commercial forests including Sitka spruce, as well as a community woodland project.
Through videos and personal profiles, they explain why they chose forestry, the challenges they encountered, the supports that helped them, and the benefits for their farms, land, and communities.
Minister Heydon said forestry has an “important role to play in supporting our farmers, landowners and communities.”
"It is about much more than planting trees. It is about creating opportunities for future generations, strengthening farm resilience, enhancing biodiversity, supporting sustainable timber production, and contributing to vibrant rural communities,” Minister Heydon explained.
Minister of State Niall Collins said the hub is a response to landowners, following listening to the “challenges they face when considering forestry.”
"Our new Forestry for You hub and ambassador initiative will help people better understand the wide range of forestry options available, whether they are interested in native woodland, mixed forests or commercial forestry, by providing clear, practical information in one place.
“Our excellent forestry ambassadors' real-life experiences will help others see what forestry can look like and decide whether it is the right choice for their land.
"There has never been a better time to explore forestry. We will continue this journey to make it simpler and easier to plant the right trees in the right places for the right reasons,” Minister Collins concluded.The initiatives are informed by preliminary findings from social and behavioural research commissioned by the Department, to be published in full in September.
The research shows strong interest in forestry among landowners, whether for timber production, environmental benefits, or long-term farm sustainability.
It also identifies common barriers to participation and highlights the demand for one trusted source of information and opportunities to learn from other landowners' experiences.
Alongside these initiatives, the Department said it will continue to engage directly with landowners and the public at forestry and agricultural events across the country. The Department also said it will focus on new research to inform and guide ongoing improvements.