For the Futureof Our Forests
Social, Economic Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland
OUR MISSION
Who We Are
We are a private sector group who have come together to highlight inadequacies in the systems
which are hampering the industry.
The group will be highlighting progress and lack thereof, of the development of a sustainable
forestry sector in Ireland.
Promoting forestry related information, news and events taking place, to support the sector.
Our Vision
We would like to see a sustainable forestry sector emerge in Ireland, that can achieve commercial, climate and biodiversity goals. We want to see a reduction in the volume of imported timber, and improvements to the current licensing system which are holding back the potential of the industry.
HECTARES OF FORESTRY (*2020 figure - Farmers Journal)
Social, Economic, Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland
5 Key Asks
- 1. Maximum Timelines on every application in a functioning licensing system
- 2. Full implementation of the MacKinnon report in a defined timeframe, with immediate implementation of the environmental planning proposal
- 3. Political support allied to leadership, management, and a can do attitude in the Forest Service which are:
- a. Essential to achieve our climate change targets
- b. Essential to support existing forest owners (e.g. Ash Dieback & Frost Recon Scheme)
- 4. Full integration of afforestation into the next CAP
- 5. Forestry Development Agency to promote and represent the sector (only natural resource sector without a development agency)
OUR AIMS
Inform
To inform the public on Forestry in the environmental, political and regulatory arenas.
Sustainability
To ensure the sustainability of the private forest sector, benefiting rural employment and local economies.
Realise Potential
To ensure the DAFM maximises the full potential of private forests to mitigate climate change and enhance biodiversity.
Stewardship
To prevent the complete demise of the private forestry sector currently under the stewardship of the Forestry Division of DAFM.
