Land planted since 2008 can qualify for both the income tax-free annual forestry premium and the BISS payments in the new forestry programme.
That is according to a spokesperson for EuroForest Ireland, who has provided details in relation to the position of tax-free annual forestry premiums and the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) in the current new CAP period, which will run from 2023 until 2027.
BISS payment is replacing the Single Farm Payment in the above period.
According to the spokesperson, there is no requirement to retain 10% of entitlements in forage area to secure the BISS payments.
Forestry
They outlined that “it is also anticipated that the BISS payments will continue to be eligible for payment on newly planted forestry after the duration of forestry premium payments has finished”.
“A farmer claiming the average BISS payment and the new forestry premiums for broadleaf forestry can now get in excess of €1,400 per hectare per year, or €570 per acre per year, with the vast majority of this being income tax-free.”
“Therefore, a farmer planting 20-acres can now secure €11,400 per year, whilst retaining ownership of the crop,” the spokesperson added.
This, they concluded, can also be combined with the ACRES scheme, planning in this manner, will improve overall farm income.
2023 farm schemes in Ireland
A raft of new farm schemes came into effect on January 1st, 2023, as part of the country’s new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Under Ireland’s plan, scheme names have been changed, and some carry different requirements and conditions to the previous policy.
Here is a summary of some of those changes:
BISS, SCEP and CIS-YF
- So firstly, the BPS (Basic Payment Scheme) will become BISS – Basic Income Support for Sustainability. Estimated rate of €158 for the national average. 1 entitlement = 1ha. Must be an active farmer, which means you meet the minimum stocking rate of 0.10 LU/ha. BISS capping above €60,000 with max payment of €66,000;
- Secondly, the BDGP (Beef Data and Genomics Programme) will become the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme. Payment rate of €225/ha for first 15 elgible ha and €180/ha (ref animals divided by 1.6 LU/ha). We compiled a comprehensive article on the SCEP.
Read our full news article.
