Forestry Information Events 2025: Opportunities for Farmers

Introduction

This autumn, landowners across Ireland will get a chance to learn more about one of the country’s biggest opportunities, forestry. A series of free information evenings will take place in Ballinasloe, Killarney, Navan, and Kilkenny between October and November, giving farmers practical advice on how trees can fit into their existing farm business.

The events, organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Teagasc, are designed to take the confusion out of forestry,  to show, in plain terms, what the grants involve, what kind of land suits planting, and how the numbers actually stack up.

What Farmers Can Expect

Each evening will feature talks and one-to-one advice from Department forestry inspectors and Teagasc forestry advisors. It’s not a lecture circuit, it’s a chance to sit down with someone who knows the system, ask straight questions, and walk away with clear answers.

They’ll cover:

• Grants and premiums under the Forestry Programme 2023–2027.
• Tax-free annual payments up to 20 years for farmers, depending on the forest type.
• What species work best on different soils and slopes, from native woodland to commercial conifers.
• How forestry can fit alongside farming, rather than replace it

There’ll also be open discussion around carbon farming, agroforestry, and how planting even a small area can contribute to biodiversity and income stability.

Why Forestry Is Back on the Agenda

Ireland currently has 11.6% forest cover, well below the EU average of 38%. The national goal is to raise this to 18% by 2050, and to get there, new and improved supports have been launched under the Forestry Programme 2023–2027.

Here’s what’s now on the table:

• Annual payments of up to €1,103 per hectare, depending on the forest type.
• 20-year premium duration for farmers, compared with 15 for non-farmers.
• The Native Tree Area Scheme, designed for smaller plantings of 0.1–1 hectare — perfect for awkward corners or wet ground.
• Establishment grants that now cover up to 100% of planting costs, including fencing, weed control, and early maintenance
  

These supports make forestry one of the few farm diversification options that delivers a guaranteed, tax-free income while improving biodiversity and carbon storage.

Tackling the Barriers
 

Historically, Irish farmers have been wary of forestry,  and with good reason. In surveys, over 70% of landowners who haven’t planted cited “bureaucracy” or “fear of losing control” as the main reasons for holding back. These events are intended to break through that.

Teagasc and DAFM have simplified licensing through the Forestry Licensing Plan, cutting turnaround times and providing clearer environmental guidance. They’ll also explain how agroforestry works, where trees are planted on grassland but stock remain part of the system. It’s a practical way to earn support payments without taking productive ground completely out of use.

There are now 12 recognised forest types under the new scheme, from native mixed woodland and continuous cover forestry to riparian buffer zones that protect water quality. Each has a different purpose and income profile, which is exactly why the one-to-one sessions at these events are so useful.

Forestry as Part of the Farm Business
 

With Ireland’s average farm size sitting around 33 hectares, many holdings have a few acres that simply don’t earn their keep. Forestry gives that land a purpose.

A few practical examples show why:

• Shelter from tree belts can improve livestock performance, studies have shown cattle weight gains can rise by up to 10% in colder months when animals are protected from wind chill.
• Tree roots help hold soil together, reducing erosion and improving water retention.
• Leaf litter naturally recycles nutrients, reducing fertiliser costs over time.
  

So this isn’t just about long-term income; it’s also about resilience, weather-proofing farms and making use of every part of the holding.

Why These Events Matter

Ireland’s forestry planting rate is still well below target. In 2024, just 2,000 hectares were planted, far short of the 8,000 hectares per year the Government says are needed to meet 2030 climate goals.

That gap won’t close without more landowners understanding what’s available and what’s changed. These events are built for that exact purpose,  to give straight answers and restore confidence. Whether you’re running a beef, sheep, or dairy farm, forestry now offers flexible options that can fit into your system without taking the whole place out of production.

The free events will take place in:

• Ballinasloe, Co. Galway – October.
• Killarney, Co. Kerry – October.
• Navan, Co. Meath – November.
• Kilkenny – November
  

Exact venues and times will be confirmed through Teagasc and local radio in the coming weeks.

Practical Checklist: Getting the Most From the Forestry Events
 

If you’re planning to attend, a bit of preparation will make the visit far more useful:

• Bring a farm map or LPIS number: it helps advisors give tailored advice.
• Note wet or unproductive paddocks: these could suit native woodland or riparian planting.
• Have your herd number ready: handy for checking grant eligibility.
• Think about your goals: income, biodiversity, or long-term shelter?
• Ask about maintenance: fencing, weed control, and replanting obligations differ by scheme.
• Chat with another farmer who’s planted: nothing beats hearing how it’s worked in practice.

The aim of these events is to make the process simpler and more transparent,  so farmers can make decisions with full confidence, not confusion.

Conclusion

Forestry won’t be right for every farm, but it’s certainly worth a look. With generous new grants, clearer rules, and the growing push for sustainability, there’s never been a better time to explore it properly.

For some, it’ll be a way to secure a steady, tax-free income. For others, it’ll be about improving shelter, soil, or water quality. And for many, it’s simply about leaving the land in better shape for the next generation.

These sessions won’t tell you what to do, but they’ll give you the tools to decide for yourself. Straight answers, real figures, and a chance to see where forestry might fit into your future.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.