‘Tree planting won’t suit every farm’ – UFU
Farmer choice must remain at the heart of Northern Ireland's Tree Planting Action Plan as the actions are developed, according to Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU).
The plan aims to increase woodland cover in Northern Ireland from 8.6% to 12% by 2050, with the actions set to be delivered from 2026 to 2032.
The action plan was launched yesterday (Tuesday, July 7) by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir.
It has been developed through a co-design process involving key stakeholders including the UFU, Woodland Trust, Scottish Woodlands, Confor, and Balcas with the aim of improving information, support, and access to opportunities for those who wish to engage in forestry.
UFU
UFU president John McLenaghan said the union’s involvement throughout has been focused on representing landowners and ensuring their voices were heard throughout.
He said: "Farmer choice has been our guiding principle, and it has shaped our involvement in this plan from day one.
"We're not fixed on the 12% target at all.
“What matters to us is that farmers have the opportunity to engage in woodland if it makes sense for their own business, not because they're being targeted and not because other payments are tied to it.”
Measures
The UFU welcomed the measures within the plan designed to simply access to information such as; grant information, pre-screening of applications, a review of application windows and grant lengths, on-farm events with landowners, and guidance for farmers on the tax implications of tree planting.
However, McLenaghan said: "Tree planting won't suit every farm, and it should never be presented as though it does.
“At every stage of this process we have pushed for balanced messaging, so that the information coming out of this plan gives farmers a true, fair and accurate picture of both the opportunities and the challenges, rather than a sales pitch.
"These are practical measures we pushed hard for during co-design.”
The UFU president also said that a one-stop shop for information, clearer timelines and proper tax guidance would help farmers make an informed decision.
He added: “That's what this has to be about, an informed choice rather than a push towards a target.”
The UFU said it will remain engaged with other stakeholders to ensure that the plan "truly delivers opportunities for farmers and landowners" and reflects their concerns around forestry.
