Farmers Must Be Compensated for Windblow Damage
Chairman IFA Farm Forestry Committee, Michael Fleming said ‘he is aware of the devastating consequences experienced by farmers following the February storms and ensures farmers that IFA are doing everything they can in order to minimise the consequences for private forest owners. We are aware of that some crops hit by windblow are comprised of semi-mature wood and would not have reached anywhere near their full economic potential’.
Mr. Fleming has made representation to Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes TD, on behalf of private forest owners and stated the importance of reconstitution for farmers experiencing loss due to the windblow events. IFA are frequently engaging with Minster Hayes on this matter and will continue to fight for those farmers affected by windblow.
‘It is important that farmers get professional advice on the best course of action to take before removing any windblown timber.
Farmers must also bear in mind that the timber is still valuable and can be harvested very successfully’ added Mr. Fleming. The Windblow Taskforce Group, on which IFA sit and is chaired by Minister Hayes, have complied a guidance note to assist forest owners with the harvesting of windblown timber:
