Farm and farmer characteristics affecting the decision to plant forests in Ireland

  • Peter Howley Environment Department, University of York, Heslington York, YO10 5DD, UK.
  • Stephan Hynes Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, National University of Ireland, Galway.
  • Cathal O Donoghue Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Athenry, Galway.
  • Niall Farrelly Forestry Development Unit, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway.
  • Mary Ryan Forestry Development Unit, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway.
Keywords: Farm forestry entry, forest policy, rural development, panel data

Abstract

Understanding the factors that influence farmers to enter forestry is important in order to develop efficient policies aimed at promoting greater rates of private planting. Using Ireland as a case study, factors affecting farmers’ participation in farm forestry were evaluated. Specifically, a nationally representative panel dataset collected annually between 1995 and 2009 was used to model both farm and farmer related characteristics affecting the probability of farmers entering into forestry. Results suggest that there is significant heterogeneity among farm households in terms of farm forestry participation. Owners of larger farms and those in less-intensive farm systems were more likely to enter into forestry during the period 1995-2009. Age and the presence of children were negatively associated with farm forestry participation.
Published
2012-11-01
How to Cite
Howley, P., Hynes, S., O Donoghue, C., Farrelly, N. and Ryan, M. (2012) “Farm and farmer characteristics affecting the decision to plant forests in Ireland”, Irish Forestry, pp. 33-43. Available at: https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/10770 (Accessed: 23April2024).
Issue
Vol. 69, Nos. 1&2, 2012
Section
Articles