The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has today (Wednesday, December 18) announced that the third tranche of the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme is now open for applications.
Module 2 of the scheme supports commercial forest reproductive material (FRM) suppliers, including forest nurseries and seed collectors, to enhance the quantity, quality and diversity of native tree species.
The department said that FRM suppliers can receive up to €250,000 funding for investments in native forest tree production.
DAFM
The scheme is open to seed and tree suppliers of all sizes, from smaller operations to established nurseries.
It is also available to new entrants to the sector seeking to diversify their business.
DAFM outlined that the types of 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.
The closing date for applications is 5:00p.m on Friday, February 14, 2025. Those interested in the scheme can find further information on how to apply on the department’s website.
Commenting on the opening of the scheme, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, said:
“The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 supports landowners to plant trees in a manner providing lasting climate, biodiversity and wider societal benefits.
“The funding available through this innovative scheme provides vital support to the forest tree nursery sector, which will help us to realise our ambitious planting targets through the delivery of a strong supply of high-quality native trees.”