Donegal farmers urged to apply for Native Tree Area Scheme

Donegal farmers are being encouraged to apply for the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.

 “This scheme has a potential premium of up to €22,840 for 10 years,” the Donegal minister said. “It will allow farmers to plant up to a hectare of native woodland without the need for a licence, or up to two hectares if they have a suitable watercourse along which to plant a riparian small-scale native woodland. The scheme was launched back in October. I am glad to say there has been extensive interest in this innovative scheme of native planting. So far, 79 approvals to plant have been issued,” he added.

There are two different options available to applicants: NTA 1 - Creation of Small Native Forests and NTA 2 – Creation of Native Forests for Water Protection. The extent of the area that can be created under this scheme is limited to two hectares per farm holding for the duration of the scheme. Both farmers and non-farmers may avail of support under the scheme. Support will take the form of an establishment grant and annual premium payments over a ten-year period, totalling €22,060 per hectare for NTA 1 and €22,840 per hectare for NTA 2.

The scheme is targeted at native tree species due to the important environmental role they play in relation to climate change, biodiversity and water quality. The afforestation scheme is available to fund the establishment of other forest types.

“I am encouraging farmers and landowners in Donegal to engage with Teagasc or their registered forester about the options available through the Native Tree Area Scheme. Annual premium payments and revenue from timber sales are tax free which makes forestry an attractive investment,” Minister McConalogue said.