Claremorris,
Co. Mayo.
29/03/10
R.E Submission to Forestry Review group
Dear Sir / Madam,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Agriculture and the
Minister and associated bodies for the opportunity to engage with you with the objectives
of getting a view from forest owners and members of the public regarding the future of
the forest industry and policy decisions in the foreseeable future.
Due to the vast amount of elements involved in the entire process, I have divided up this
letter in sections regarding issues which I have both experienced and feel would be
beneficial to the industry moving forward.
Background
I recently completed a forestry scheme on my own farm comprising of a large amount of
area. I completed the work myself, acting as main contractor for the forestry work and
got a large insight into the forestry sector and the mechanics of it.
The scheme itself was a new scheme which was applicable to farmers in REPS, known as
FEPS (Forestry Environmental Protection Scheme) this generally allowed for a top up of
your premium for a five year period.
I was very enthusiastic about the scheme and it was the fact that it was FEPS that I finally
decided to plant what was reasonable agricultural land. During the application process
and at commencement, I did have some confusion with the REPS department in going
forward with what I was doing due to a Habitat issue; this required subsequent
environmental reports and review of species planted. This was an extremely frustrating
issue but thankfully was very well and professionally addressed by the Forestry Inspector
dealing with the Issue. It lead me to think it would be more beneficial for the Forestry
service to have full responsibility on all matters concerning planting of lands as they are
best qualified to do so.
Premiums and Schemes
It came as a great disappointment to me to learn that once I have completed my REPS
scheme (next year) that I will no longer be eligible for FEPS. It is with this that I wish to
ask the review board to move forward and re instate this scheme or a similar scheme and
let all farmers who entered into a binding agreement with the Department to complete
their term. This existing scheme should be integrated into any new Scheme proposed by
the Department.
Also during the period of planting, the premium was reduced by 8% which was a large
amount and would possibly have influenced my decision to plant the grounds in the first
place.
I feel it is very poor decision making to do both of the above as it seriously affected the
area planted as farmers will be reluctant to plant their lands at a set price and learn that it
is subject to deduction and pulling of schemes on a regular basis. This issue should be
looked into during the review and the legal issue regarding agreements in place should be
followed through on.
Turbary Rights
The next issue which I feel should be addressed is the issue of rights to plots (Mainly turf
cutting, put in place by the land commission) which were assigned to people to actively
cut and spread turf. Large areas of ground all over the country are more that adequate for
planting, however large amounts of turbary’s are still in existence in the grounds of the
owners. Most of these right are either not in use are have been extinguished, however, the
area of ground (despite being on the folio of the outright owner) are not eligible by the
outright owner due to ownership issues.
I feel that these rights should be easier to remove and should be allowed do so under a
policy that is much more beneficial to the Environment like forestry. There should be a
mechanism put in place where these rights be extinguished upon proof that they are not in
use, this could be decided by the Forestry inspector or a body of the Land commission. It
would certainly make better use of the lands and allow for the planting programme to be
increased.
Grant Aid
With regard the Grant aid which is currently in place, I can not see how profit elements
are made by main forestry contractors. I sub contracted all the works carried out on the
plantation I completed and finished over budget. I had every element priced by 2-3
contractors and I still came over budget. I don’t feel the Grant is at any stage to much for
work completed, especially for what is completed.
Overview
With regard the items discussed I feel it is most beneficial moving forward that the
department guarantee Schemes that they have introduced and also guarantee the
Premiums for existing and future schemes.
The rights issue as discussed above is an issue that should be addressed and would create
additional viable planting ground which is currently unused by anybody.
I would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the excellent work undertaken
by the Forestry Inspector.
I hope some of the issues I have raised are of some benefit to your discussions and will
offer some suggestions moving forward.