Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has announced that 42 Forestry Promotion Projects will be provided with €1.6 million of funding.

The selected projects will receive the funding over the next year and will promote forestry through a variety of approaches including peer-to-peer videos on forestry, publications on Continuous Cover Forestry establishment and promoting the use of homegrown timber for construction.

The projects will also promote the planting of native trees, including through the Native Tree Area Scheme, ecological restoration and awareness raising through multi-media and targeted promotional/educational initiatives to develop the potential of agroforestry in Ireland.

The projects were chosen as a result of an Open Call by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for funding for Forestry Promotion Projects.

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The themes of the new Call take account of the public consultation conducted in relation to the Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland for 2050, and aligns with the implementation of the new Forest Strategy. The Department received over 53 applications for the funding. Projects with a particular focus on engaging with farmers, existing forest owners and other landowners were weighted in favour.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett said:

"I am delighted to see such a broad range of inspiring projects aimed at promoting the new Forestry Programme and I am particularly pleased at the spread of projects throughout the country. I hope this €1.6 million funding will boost the profile of forestry and encourage every farmer to explore the range of planting options available in the new Forestry Programme. I am also glad to note that many of the projects involve collaboration between organisations and groups and cover a wide range of topics from afforestation, sustainable forest management, ecosystem services, Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) and the promotion of careers in forestry.

"I want to thank all those individuals and organisations for taking part and we look forward to working with the successful groups on the implementation of their projects over the next year."