€1.42 million in forestry payments welcomed for Mayo farmers

Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, has welcomed the news that €1.42m will be paid to Mayo farmers as part of the issuing of annual income‑tax‑free forestry premium payments for 2026.

A total of €1,420,748.36 will be paid to Mayo farmers and landowners, supporting a combined 3,444.62 hectares of forestry across the county. These payments form part of the national forestry premium allocation issued this week to forest owners who applied through the Department’s Online Services portal at www.agfood.ie which were announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD.

Minister Dillon said: “This is a significant and very welcome investment in Mayo’s rural economy. Forestry continues to play an important role in supporting farm families, diversifying land use, and contributing to our climate and biodiversity goals. The €1.42 million in payments to Mayo farmers reflects the county’s strong commitment to sustainable land management and long‑term forestry development.”

He added: “These annual premium payments are an important support to forest owners. Together with the grants available to assist in the establishment of new plantations, they provide a significant support to maintaining and continuing to expand Ireland’s forestry.”

I would strongly encourage landowners who might be thinking about planting trees to speak to neighbours who have already done so, and to get in touch with a registered forester or a Teagasc Forestry adviser. The current Forestry Programme pays at the highest rates ever available to forest owners, with options ranging from small‑scale native woodlands to agroforestry and continuous cover forestry.”

Nationally, almost €23.5 million in forestry premiums were issued in last week’s bulk payment run, covering just over 6,500 applications. Over 24,000 landowners are already enjoying the benefits that forestry brings.

Minister Dillon said: “I would encourage landowners who might be thinking about planting trees to speak to neighbours who have already done so, and to get in touch with a registered forester or a Teagasc Forestry adviser. The current Forestry Programme pays at the highest rates ever available to forest owners, with options ranging from small‑scale native woodlands to agroforestry and continuous cover forestry.”

Forest owners who have not yet applied for their 2026 premium can still do so online at www.agfood.ie. The application facility remains open year‑round, with payments continuing to issue weekly as applications are received and processed.

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