The 2017-18 afforestation programme has been launched.

Andrew Doyle, Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, launched the programme last Monday in Donishall Nursery, Co Wexford.

Donishall is one of two major nurseries in the 214ha None-So-Hardy Forestry complex, which employs 80 people.

Minister Doyle encouraged farmers “to seriously consider forestry” as a land use option.

“Forestry does not have to be an alternative to agriculture, instead it should be seen as a complementary activity which is very much part of the farming mix,” he said.

“Under current rules, forestry is compatible with the Basic Payment Scheme and, under certain conditions, is also compatible with GLAS,’’ he said.

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