IFA meet ash dieback review group about farmers’ concerns

IFA National Farm Forestry Chair Jason Fleming said that IFA’s meeting with the ash dieback review group this was an opportunity to highlight the critical concerns and needs of forest owners impacted by ash dieback.

“Our message to the ash dieback review group is the same communication we have repeatedly delivered to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: a new scheme is required that fully compensates those affected by the disease.”

The IFA has developed a document outlining the concerns regarding ash dieback support and key changes required with the document iavailable to download.

Jason Fleming said without addressing ash dieback, confidence in the sector will not be rebuilt.

In June 2023, Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Senator Pippa Hackett, announced the establishment of an independent review of the ash dieback support scheme.

IFA is seeking changes to the current Ash Dieback scheme including the provision of a 100 per cent reconstitution grant for all infected plantations, enabling forest owners to clearfell and replant with tree species that satisfy their management objectives.
They are also seeking the reinstatement of a 20-year premium on replanted land to incentivise the restoration of affected areas and that adequate compensation is given for the value of the timber asset, based on the valuation of healthy ash plantations at the time of clearance.
They also want farmers affected by ash dieback to be given the option not to replant, without penalties, under specific circumstances and have asked that the Government implement stronger control measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases of tree species that are grant aided under the Afforestation Scheme.

They also want the Government to provide assurance to farmers that they will be properly compensated if a disease puts their investment at risk and are calling for the introduction of a financial support scheme to address roadside ash trees.

"A new scheme to provide grants to support farmers to hire relevant professionals to safely fell roadside trees affected by ash dieback is also badly needed," concluded Jason Fleming.