The Farm Woodland Premium Scheme
The Farm Woodland Premium Scheme is funded under Axis 2 of the Rural Development Programme and is delivered by DARD.
It aims to encourage the creation of new woodlands on farms and agricultural land and realise the productive potential of woodlands as an alternative sustainable land use. It provides ongoing income through annual payments to compensate for agricultural income foregone by creating woodland.
Who can apply?
The Farm Woodland Premium Scheme is open to all farmers and land managers who run an agricultural business* and have at least 1.0 hectare of agricultural land available for planting as woodland.
* Further details on what constitutes an agricultural business are included in the information booklet which accompanies the application form.
What funding is available?
Applicant Type | Category of land | Outside LFA | LFA – Disadvantaged Areas | LFA – Severely Disadvantaged Areas |
Farmer | Arable and other improved land | 290 | 240 | 200 |
Non-farmer | Arable and other improved land | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Farmer/Non-farmer | Unimproved land | Ineligible | 60 | 60 |
How do I apply?
The opening and closing dates for schemes/programmes supported by the Rural Development Programme are advertised and promoted widely. Please check the
When Can I Apply? section of the website for details of what schemes are open for applications. Depending on the scheme, application forms may be available for download.
What happens next?
When your application is received we will check to make sure that it is eligible and to see that it has been correctly completed and all relevant documents included.
If your application:
- passes these initial checks, we will acknowledge it;
- is incomplete we will send it back highlighting the missing information and we will only process it once all of the required information has been received;
- is ineligible, it will be rejected.
If your application is eligible, a forester will arrange to carry out a site visit to confirm suitability. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of approval, an annotated map and a claim form.
Frequently asked questions
For how many years will I receive the annual payments?
Farm Woodland Premium Scheme annual payments are made for either 15 or 10 years, depending on the trees planted and how they will be managed. To receive annual payments over 15 years, more than 50% of the area must be planted with broadleaved trees. The wood must not be felled within 30 years following the first annual payment. Woodlands with 50% or more of the area planted with conifers, or fast growing broadleaves to be felled in less than 30 years (e.g. poplar) will receive annual payments for 10 years. They must not be felled within 20 years of the first annual payment.
What information do I need to include in my application?
Apart from filling in our simple application form, which will include your Business Identification Number (Business ID). You will need to send us a farm survey map, which needs to be in the same name as on the application form.
