Ireland

Forestry as a profitable farming enterprise for you

Investing in forestry through land purchase in Ireland

Green Belt’s team of foresters actively source land which is suitable for afforestation at competitive prices. On an annual basis Green Belt source an average of 1000ha of land which it makes available to those interested in investing in forestry in Ireland .

Green Belt does not add a commission onto the price of the land but make the land available to the investor at cost price.

Once GB has attained planting approval for the land from the forest service the investor closes the land sale through their solicitor. Green Belt will then plant and manage the new forest at no additional cost to the investor by utilizing the planting grants that are available through the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Typical land prices vary from €3,000 per acre to €3,300 and the size of the farms available range from 15 acres to 100 acres plus. The returns available from this investment come firstly from the tax free forestry premium available at an average rate of €200 per acre inherent growth in value of the forest itself.

If you would like more information on land available for afforestation through Green Belt… PLEASE CONTACT US here……

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Annual Tax Free Income
Farm forestry will generate a tax free income which is paid annually. The premium rates will depend on the species planted and classification of land. This annual tax free premium is payable for a period of 20 years.

Generous Grants mean no capital Investment
In addition to the annual income scheme forestry is substantially grant aided. Inmost cases the planting grant covers all the establishment costs thus reducing the overall capital requirements to run your farm. Grants are payable in two installments. Three quarters of the grant is payable on planting and the balance is payable after four years following inspection and approval.

Tax Free Capital Growth
Your forest will appreciate in value annually tax free. By the time the forest reaches 15 years maturity your thinnings will be ready for use as fencing stakes, pulp or woodchip. From year 15 onwards the thinnings become more valuable and the uses for your timber become more variable as your trees mature. A well managed crop of Sitka Spruce should be ready for clearfell after 30-35 years, depending on the site, and at today’s prices should yield a return of over €8,000 per acre (excluding the land). Longer term broadleaves should yield considerably more.

Exemption from income tax, capital gains tax and stamp duty
With our current rate of taxation forestry represents a massive tax saving opportunity for farmers both full time and part time.

FEPS
FEPS is a scheme where a landowner can combine their REPS payment with their forestry premium payment on the same area of ground for the first time. This can lead to payments of up to h313/Acre, tax free. To attain the FEPS payment you must be in or prepared to join REPS.

The Green Belt Four Year Forestry Management Plan Contract