| An IFA Forestry delegation led by President, John Bryan and Farm Forestry Chairman, Pat Hennessy left Mr. Sean Connick, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in no doubt but that he must prioritise available budgets to support existing forest owners. Mr. Bryan said the main concern must be to support farmers that have already planted, that have committed their land to forestry in perpetuity. He said that no case could be made for these farmers suffering reduced payments and that it was up to the Minister to honour guarantees given to farmers when they made the decision to plant. He said that already farmers committed to forestry had experienced premiums cut. Last years 8% cut undermined previous Government assurances that forest premiums were guaranteed and has shattered farmer confidence in the scheme. Mr. Hennessy said that the 15% cut to the forestry capital budget outlined in the Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2011-2016 would devastate the afforestation programme and the development of the forest sector. He said that forestry is a sustainable indigenous industry that has huge potential to significant increase economic contribution. Already the forest sector makes a direct contribution to the Irish economy of in excess of €1.6 billion as well as supporting the employment of approximately 22,000 people. The continued support of the forest sector is essential if Ireland is to take advantage of the increasing global demand for timber, as well as increased demand for sustainable products. Ends. |
Saturday, 09 October 2010 09:59