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Agroforestry is the combination of agricultural and forestry production on the same piece of land which enables:
Silvopastoral systems (trees and grass)
Silvoarable systems (trees and crops)
Forest gardening systems (small-scale food forest pilot)
The Establishment grant and annual forest premium for Agroforestry is detailed in the table below.
Forest type | Planting Option | Description | Grant/ha (excluding fencing) | Annual premium for farmers per ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | Agroforestry | Silvopastoral Systems | €8,555 | €975 for 10 years |
Silvoarable systems | €6,000 | €829 for 10 years | ||
Forest gardening | €6,000 | €829 for 10 years |
Other species, including conifers can be considered on a site-by-site basis. It is acceptable to have between 15 and 40% fruit and/or nut species depending on the system. Individual trees are protected with tree guards which facilitates grazing by sheep, poultry, or young calves. Silage and hay production is also permitted.
Land planted with FT8 Agroforestry can remain eligible for
For 2023 agroforestry is allowed for N&P and GSR. It is not however allowed for Nitrates Derogation as the T&C’s of that require 80% grassland as a minimum.
Once land is converted to agroforestry, it is classified as forest land and the provisions of forest legislation applies.
There is strong compability between the OFS and forestry. OFS parcels can be converted to forestry during the OFS contract without penalty.
Land declared as Agroforestry can be eligible for;
On the same land parcel
Forestry Services Ltd. is a private forestry company specialising in providing forestry services to all woodland owners and persons considering forestry.