OPPORTUNITIES for farmers and landowners to plant new forests will be the focus of “Let’s Talk Trees” – a public information meeting in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe [H53 F5P9] on Tuesday, October 21st next, at 7pm – everyone is welcome.

Organised by Teagasc and DAFM [Dept. of Ag.] the meeting will highlight the excellent opportunities under the current Forestry Programme to add value to your farm and land. The meeting will be attended by Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae T.D.

For farmers considering diversification, forestry offers very attractive incentives to further drive farm sustainability and climate action ambitions. There will also be information on a range of support schemes available to help manage existing forests.

The main feature of the meeting will be an opportunity for one-to-one consultations with DAFM and Teagasc forestry staff with individual booths being used. These one-to-one clinics will provide a good opportunity to discuss your situation and get your forestry questions answered.

The meeting starts at 7pm, opening with two short presentations followed by a conversation between Minister Healy-Rae and a farmer about their forestry journey before the holding of one-to-one clinics.

Presentations will cover the 2023-2027 Afforestation Grant and Premium scheme; how forestry fits in with your farm and farming schemes; and the personal experience and thoughts of a forest owner

■ For more information contact Noel Kennedy  087-9090504 or visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

Pictured left: Noel Kennedy: ‘Everybody is welcome’ and right: Minister of State, Michael Healy-Rae, will be at Ballinasloe forestry meeting.