For the Future
of our Forests
SEEFA is a private sector association supporting the growth of forestry in Ireland and representing the needs of the nurseries, landowners, foresters and farmers behind it. We promote forestry as a positive, practical land use that benefits communities, the economy and the environment.
9,400
Jobs supported across forestry
€2bn+
Annual contribution to the Irish economy.
3.8m tonnes
2026 Priorities
Shaping Ireland’s Forestry Future
A Forestry Programme that works for farmers and the private sector
Use the Mid Term Review to secure practical fixes now, and shape a credible successor programme after 2028 that is simpler, investable and farmer friendly, including clearer farmer status criteria and an environmental grant available at application stage.
Fair, realistic funding that matches real costs
Push for necessary increases in DAFM grants and premiums across the board, so participation is financially viable and delivery standards can be met without hidden losses.
A rapid, fair response to forest damage and disease
Continue to build workable, properly compensated Ash Dieback and Windblow reconstitution schemes with clear eligibility, simple measurement, timely approvals, and payments that reflect the full on the ground impact.
A workforce and delivery system that can actually meet targets
Quantify the labour gap and drive solutions through skills pipelines, retention and practical reforms, including technician form signing under appropriate registered forester oversight to reduce bottlenecks.
Practical, science-based environmental rules that foresters can implement
Make compliance workable while protecting outcomes, especially around relevant watercourses and land-use constraints, and remove unnecessary barriers in schemes such as Native Tree Areas that limit uptake with little benefit.
Confidence and momentum: markets, standards and public support
Advance private forest certification through a national group approach, pursue EU research funding that strengthens evidence and innovation, and build public support and understanding through a joint promotion effort between the public and private sectors.
Working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
SEEFA regularly engages with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Minister of Agriculture, and his junior ministers. We share practical insight from foresters and farmers, helping to shape workable policy and delivery.
We welcome the Department’s willingness to engage with the private sector under new leadership, and we will continue to work constructively with them to build confidence, drive participation, and support long-term growth across the industry.