Padraig Stapleton, hailing from Upperchurch in North Tipperary, has assumed the mantle as the new chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Farm Forestry Committee. His appointment came during the committee’s meeting yesterday, on Tuesday, July 16, where he was chosen to take over from Jason Fleming, who recently transitioned to the role of county chair for the IFA in Co. Kerry.
In his inaugural address following the election, Stapleton expressed his eagerness to advocate for farmers involved in forestry and extended gratitude to his predecessor for his contributions to the sector. He noted that many farmers are now hesitant to view forestry as a secure investment due to the escalating risks associated with committing their land indefinitely. Stapleton emphasized the necessity for new measures and a policy review to reverse the downward trend in afforestation, mitigate investment risks, rebuild confidence, and ensure an equitable regional distribution of forestry resources.
Acknowledging recent developments, Stapleton commended the enhancements introduced in the new Ash Dieback Reconstitution Scheme compared to its earlier versions. Since the initiation of the Forestry Programme in September 2023, the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) has granted approvals for 2,700 hectares under the Reconstitution of Ash Dieback Scheme. However, he highlighted the need for further refinements in the scheme, particularly concerning the clearance grant, to address challenges faced by stakeholders.
Despite improvements in licensing turnaround times, Stapleton raised concerns about the onerous conditions imposed in certain instances, rendering operations unfeasible. These conditions are significantly inflating costs, thereby jeopardizing the viability of forests, especially smaller farm forests. He pledged to collaborate with the IFA Forestry Committee to advance these issues as part of the association’s pre-Budget deliberations.
The election of Padraig Stapleton as the new chair of the IFA Farm Forestry Committee aligns with ongoing efforts to address the evolving landscape of forestry in Ireland. His commitment to championing the interests of farmers engaged in forestry, coupled with his call for policy reforms to bolster the sector’s sustainability, underscores the critical role played by the IFA in shaping the future of Irish agriculture.
As Stapleton assumes his new responsibilities, the forestry community looks towards a future marked by resilience, innovation, and collaboration. The challenges facing the sector necessitate proactive engagement and strategic planning to ensure the long-term viability of forestry practices in Ireland. With a dedicated leader at the helm, the IFA Farm Forestry Committee is poised to navigate these challenges and drive positive change for farmers across the country.
