Department Announcement
According to an announcement from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Wednesday, applications are now open for the second tranche of the Innovative Forest Scheme (Module 2 – Investment Aid for the Development of the Forest Tree Nursery Sector. This scheme has been established to support the development of commercial nurseries, thereby enhancing the quantity, quality and diversity of native Irish tree species. Under the scheme, nurseries can receive up to €250,000 in funding for capital investments in specialized equipment for the production of native forest trees.
Minister lauds ambitious Government targets
Speaking in relation to the scheme announcement, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett, was keen to emphasise the Government’s commitment to tree planting: “We have ambitious targets for tree planting, backed up by our €1.3 billion Forestry Programme. This funding will support the forest tree nursery sector to deliver high-quality native trees at scale for forest owners.”
Eligibility
The Innovative Forest Scheme is open to suppliers of seeds and trees of all sizes, ranging from small-scale operations to larger, more established nurseries. In addition, the scheme is open to new sector entrants aiming to diversify their business interests.
According to the Government website, projects and items eligible for funding may include the following:
• Seed collection equipment.
• Seed storage infrastructure.
• Polytunnel infrastructure / equipment.
• Irrigation systems and infrastructure.
• Transplanting systems.
• Grading machines.
• Biosecurity investments such as water treatment and refrigeration equipment.
• General costs linked to items above
• Cost of native tree species seed.
All potential applicants should note that the closing date for applications is 26 February, 2024. More details are available on the relevant page on the DAFM website.
