RDR, CAP and Forestry

Sandy Greig

Head of Forestry Authority

Forestry Commission, England

What I will cover

• The role of the Forestry Commission

• Forestry and Woodland in England

• What Government Wants

• RDR and Forestry Grants

• Effects of CAP Reform

• Future Opportunities

The Role of the Forestry Commission

• Government Department, GB wide

• Defra Minister

• Land Manager

• Policy advice to Ministers

• Regulation and Grant Aid

Forestry and Woodland in England

• 1.1 million hectares (8.4%)

• (Europe 46%)

• 67% broadleaf

• 19% FC

• 75,000 woods

• Average size c.14 hectares

What Government Wants (1)

Existing Woodlands

• More woodland in sustainable management

• Greater contribution to rural development

• Better delivery of environmental benefits

– biodiversity

– public access

– landscape

– cultural heritage

What Government Wants (2)

New Woodland

• Improving people’s lives

• Delivering environmental benefits

– biodiversity

– public access

– landscape improvement

• Improving the rural economy

RDR and Forestry Grants

• England Rural Development Programme

• £18m per annum

• All grants eligible for co-financing

• Also Processing and Marketing Grants

Effects of CAP Reform

• Uncertainty

• May have to adjust our grants

• Cross Compliance

• Abandonment

Future Opportunities (RDR Successor)

• Better integration of forestry measures

• Further shift to Pillar 2

• Greater flexibility/Subsidiarity

• Understanding of forestry’s role in

sustainable rural development