The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has launched an open call for proposals for forestry promotion projects.

This public call for innovative projects will support and highlight the environmental, social and economic benefits of forestry, forests and timber products.

Funding will be allocated by means of an open competition under a Forestry Promotion Projects Support Fund.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon welcomed the second tranche of the open call for the 2025/2026 period.

He said: "I am pleased that we can offer support for initiatives that will encourage landowners to plant more trees, promote the benefits of timber, and assist forest owners in the sustainable management of their forests.

Minister of State at DAFM, Michael Healy-Rae said the department is looking for innovative proposals to encourage farmers and other landowners to plant trees under the forestry programme.

Minister Healy-Rae said: "I want to stress that trees can be a valuable addition to any farming enterprise and that there are options under the programme that will suit all, from the small Native Tree Area Scheme to the 12 diverse forest types on offer through our current Afforestation scheme".

Project applications are invited, from any group or individual, under the following themes:

Afforestation promotion schemes with a particular focus on engaging with farmers, existing forest owners, and other landowners.
Promotion of the benefits of increased use of timber products in construction and design, in the context of climate action and the bioeconomy.
Sustainable forest management schemes and climate-resilience-building that promotes the multi-functional benefits of trees and forests including for eco-system services, bioenergy, forestry career opportunities, and forests for people and general wellness.

According to DAFM, the competitive process is open to all, and as with the previous tranche, applications are expected from a wide range of stakeholders.

The closing date for applications is 5:00p.m (Monday), April 28, 2025.