The sale of 20 forestry plantations in Ireland has received the backing of FRA, which supports investment in sustainable forestry projects around the world.
Seattle, United States, January 19, 2012 — The sale of 20 forestry plantations in Ireland has received the backing of Forestry Research Associates (FRA), which supports investment in sustainable forestry projects around the world.
A growing number of farmers in the Republic of Ireland are considering converting their farmland into a forest area, claims UK-based information portal (http://www.timberinvestments.co/). As the popularity of forestry and timber investments is spreading to the Emerald Isle, Irish farmers are looking into options to increase their income through growing trees.
BYRNEWALLACE: From sustainable forestry credits to food emission labelling, the agriculture sector needs legislation now in order to encourage change
IRELAND’S RENEWABLE-energy and carbon-emission reduction targets are set with reference to the European Union targets contained in the 20-20-20 strategy document. This requires a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; 20 per cent improvement in energy efficiency and that 20 per cent of EU energy consumption be from renewable energy sources – all by 2020.
It may come as something of a surprise to many people that one of Co Mayo’s most realisable long-term energy resource options, especially in terms of benefits to local communities and local economies, is the development of sustainable forestry.
A research project I was involved in a few years ago (the Mayo Energy Audit) found that Co Mayo could meet over one third of its total heating requirements from wood produced in sustainably managed deciduous woodland, in combination with a smaller area of coniferous plantation.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry Sean Connick, TD, will discuss sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security tomorrow, Thursday, 13 January at 2.30pm.
Continued investment in forestry is a "no brainer" at a time when the Government is looking for money for limited financial resources, Fine Gael has insisted.
The sector returns €1.59 for every €1 invested, according to the Department of Agriculture's own studies, said FG's agriculture spokesman, Andrew Doyle.
He warned that Government plans to cut forestry targets jeopardised a valuable industry that had a key role to play in the country's economy.
Next year's planted forestry area is set to be the lowest since 1947 unless the capital expenditure budget for forestry is increased, the Association of Irish Forestry Consultants (AIFC) has warned.
Planting levels will fall back to 1,800-2,500ha next year, unless funding is increased by €25m, the AIFC has claimed.
Planting levels have not fallen that low since 1947, when 2,350ha were planted.
Ireland has ratified the Convention on the European Forest Institute. The Convention on EFI has now been ratified by a total of 22 European countries.
The ratifying countries are now Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK.
The Irish Parliament is calling on the EU to agree that the country can used forest carbon sinks to offset its non-Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) emissions.
