Forestry concerns raised -Allister
01 April 2008
Jim Allister QC MEP has said he is concerned at a funding disparity that has arisen between farmers and ‘non-farmers’, in relation to the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS). Under this scheme, farmers will continue to receive £300 per hectare for new trees planted, while non-farmers’ payments have been reduced to £100 per hectare planted.
Commenting on this development, Mr Allister said,
“Under the new Rural Development Programme for Northern Ireland, European co-financing is available for a ‘farmer’, defined by DARD for the purposes of the FWPS, as a person who derives at least 25% of their income from farming. It is because of this definition that co-financing is not currently available for ‘non-farmers’, hence the significantly reduced grant rate available.”
“I have written to DARD, highlighting the detrimental impact a reduced grant rate will have on encouraging more private forestry in Northern Ireland. I understand that DARD is working to redress the situation, but regrettably this has come too late for the current planting season. In a context of enhanced environmental awareness among the general public, and in recognition of the many diversification opportunities offered by forestry, this is a retrograde step, and one which I hope will be resolved in the very near future.”
ENDS
Note:
Click on the following link to read DARD's full response:
http://www.jimallister.co.uk/uploads/Forestry_concerns_raised_with_DARD_266.pdf
