Ireland’s forestry sector has received a fresh boost after gov.ie confirmed new funding for promotion projects aimed at farmers, landowners and rural communities. The latest announcement from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine outlines how a series of practical, education-led initiatives will help explain the financial, environmental and land-use benefits of planting and managing trees.
Ministers Martin Heydon and Niall Collins announced that 10 organisations have secured support under the Forestry Promotion Projects Open Call. In total, €145,632.73 has been allocated for projects due to be delivered during 2026, with a strong focus on afforestation, sustainable forest management, agroforestry, native woodland promotion and public engagement.
gov.ie forestry promotion funding: what was announced
According to gov.ie, the funding forms part of Intervention 5 of the Forestry Programme 2023–2027, which is designed to build skills and strengthen the forest sector through sustainable forest management. This latest round, covering June to October 2026, is the third tranche of the open call.
The Department said the supported projects will promote:
- Afforestation opportunities for farmers and landowners
- Sustainable forest management practices
- The wider benefits of forestry and timber products
- Climate, biodiversity and environmental gains
- Economic and social value for rural Ireland
Minister Heydon said forestry can offer farmers and landowners a valuable way to diversify both land use and income. Minister Collins added that the projects will help people make informed decisions by showing how forestry can work either alongside existing farming systems or as a standalone enterprise.
Which organisations received forestry promotion funding?
The funded projects reflect the diversity of the sector, from major public events to digital media, podcasts and knowledge-sharing programmes. Successful applicants include organisations working nationwide as well as regionally focused groups.
Funded organisations and approved amounts
- Irish Wood Producers – Ireland’s Woodland Show, Kilkenny: €41,694.73
- Woodlands of Ireland – Native Woodland Schemes anniversary project, Leitrim: €12,360.00
- Farm TV – audio-visual forestry promotion content, nationwide: €14,368.00
- Hometree CLG – woodland community action project, nationwide: €10,875.00
- Pro Silva – continuous cover forestry communications, nationwide: €16,810.00
- The Forestry Now Podcast – Deep Dive Series, nationwide: €8,400.00
- Irish Agroforestry Forum – knowledge exchange phase 2, nationwide: €14,125.00
- Native Events Ltd & Veon Ltd – forestry narrative research, nationwide: €10,000.00
- Silva Nua – native woodland open day in Galway: €7,000.00
- Irish Timber Growers Association – information projects on afforestation and certification: €10,000.00
Why this gov.ie forestry promotion support matters
This gov.ie update is significant because it comes after the mid-term review of the forestry programme, which expanded schemes and supports for participants. The Department is clearly trying to improve awareness at a time when Climate Action, Agriculture, Rural and Community Development, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priorities increasingly overlap.
For many landowners, the challenge is not just access to grants but understanding the options. These projects aim to bridge that gap through events, videos, podcasts and outreach. In that sense, the initiative also aligns with broader public information efforts seen across gov.ie, the Department of the Taoiseach, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and state-facing services such as Citizens Information Board.
What happens next for farmers and landowners?
The selected groups will roll out their projects over the coming months, giving farmers and landowners more chances to explore forestry as part of long-term planning. Topics such as native woodlands, forest certification, agroforestry and continuous cover forestry are expected to feature strongly.
The key takeaway from this gov.ie announcement is clear: the Government wants forestry presented as a realistic, supported and flexible option for Irish landowners. With new funding, stronger outreach and more tailored information, these projects could play an important role in shaping how rural Ireland views forestry in the years ahead.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
