Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027
The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 provides financial support to encourage the planting of trees on land not previously under forest, offering 14 different forest types to choose from. It aims to tackle climate change, increase biodiversity, and provide sustainable jobs in the rural economy.
- Grant range
- €2,500 - €10,544 per hectare
- Funding level
- 100%
- Support type
- Grant
- Last checked
- 3 Sept 2026
About this scheme
The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027, run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, funds the establishment and maintenance of new forests on land not previously forested, across 14 Forest Types (e.g. Native forests, Agroforestry, Continuous Cover Forestry). It offers a set-up grant covering up to 100% of establishment costs, an annual premium of up to €1,170/ha depending on species, and separate fencing grants, with rates varying by forest type. Applicants must be over 18, hold a PPS number (or company registration for companies), and be the owner, leaseholder or joint manager of the land. All projects require prior written technical approval and financial approval before work begins, and land is subject to a replanting obligation. Applications are made through a registered forester, with the process running from initial advice through licensing, planting, and post-planting payments and premiums claimed via www.agfood.ie.
Who can apply
- Applicant must be over 18 years of age
- Applicant must hold a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number
- Companies must provide their company registration details
- Must be the owner, leaseholder or joint manager of the land at the time of application (limited exemptions apply, see scheme terms)
- Land must remain under forest cover and is subject to a replanting obligation for all grant categories
- Set-up grant covers up to 100% of establishment costs; rates vary by Forest Type chosen (14 types available), ranging from €2,500/ha to €10,544/ha
- Annual premium of up to €1,170/ha, depending on species, paid for 10-20 years depending on forest type and farmer status
- Separate fencing grants available, capped at €65,000 per forest
- All afforestation projects must obtain prior written technical approval
- Financial approval is also required before grant-aided work can commence
- An afforestation licence is required for projects over 0.1 hectares (approx. 0.25 acres), except under the Native Tree Area Scheme
How to apply
- Contact your Local Teagasc Advisor (or an independent advisor) to check if your land is suitable for forestry and to review grant/premium options.
- Make an appointment with a Registered Forester, who will submit the licence application on your behalf; you may retain the services of a solicitor.
- Apply for a grant: your registered forester submits the application for you; you may also need to consult an ecologist depending on your land.
- Get paid after planting: once you have written technical approval, an afforestation licence, and financial approval, planting can begin; the first grant is paid to cover establishment costs, with a second (balance) grant paid four years after planting once the forest is successfully established.
- Apply for a Forestry Premium via www.agfood.ie once planting is complete; the first premium is payable once planting has been completed.