The Government has announced that up to €250,000 of funding is available for forest nurseries through the Forest Technology Scheme.

The scheme supports commercial nurseries to improve the quantity, quality, and diversity of native tree species. Seed and tree suppliers of all sizes are eligible to apply for the funding. It is also available to new entrants to the sector seeking to diversify their business.

The types of projects and items eligible for funding may include the following actions:

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• Seed collection equipment.

• Seed storage infrastructure.

• Polytunnel infrastructure / equipment.

• Irrigation systems and infrastructure.

• Transplanting systems.

• Grading machines.

• Biosecurity investments such as water treatment and refrigeration equipment.

• General costs linked to items above

• Cost of native tree species seed.

Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, said: "We have ambitious targets for tree planting, backed up by our €1.3 billion Forestry Programme. This funding will support the forest tree nursery sector to deliver high-quality native trees at scale for forest owners."

Applications for the funding close on 26 February 2024.