Apply for Trees on Farms Utilisation Program (Australia)

The Trees on Farms Utilisation Program supports Victorian landowners with small farm plantations by providing free plantation assessments to identify commercial opportunities for timber, firewood, and wood-fibre markets. The programme helps growers improve the value of their plantation resources through market connections, supply coordination, and better understanding of timber utilisation options.

Eligible landowners with plantations between 3 and 30 hectares in Victoria can participate by receiving expert assessments and guidance on potential wood supply opportunities.

About the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program

The Trees on Farms Utilisation Program is designed to help owners of small farm plantations in Victoria unlock the commercial value of their timber resources.

The programme provides free plantation assessments that evaluate:

• Timber production opportunities.
• Firewood market potential.
• Wood-fibre utilisation options.
• Supply chain opportunities.
• Future harvesting pathways.

The initiative supports landowners in making informed decisions about managing and using plantation-grown wood resources.

Purpose of the Program

The main goal of the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program is to increase the value of small farm plantations by connecting growers with potential markets and improving timber utilisation.

The programme aims to:

• Identify commercial opportunities for plantation owners.
• Support sustainable timber supply.
• Improve access to timber markets.
• Encourage coordination between small plantation growers.
• Develop a statewide wood supply model.

Key Focus Areas

The programme focuses on creating pathways for plantation owners into different wood markets.

Timber Markets

The programme helps identify opportunities for plantation wood to enter commercial timber supply chains.

Support may include:

• Assessing plantation quality.
• Understanding harvesting potential.
• Identifying suitable timber uses.

Firewood Markets

Assessments may identify opportunities for:

• Firewood production.
• Local energy markets.
• Sustainable utilisation of harvested wood.

Wood-Fibre Markets

The programme also explores opportunities related to:

• Wood-fibre products.
• Biomass applications.
• Fibre-based industries.

Grower Coordination and Supply Models

The initiative supports collaboration among plantation owners by helping create a coordinated wood supply approach across Victoria.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to landowners who own eligible small farm plantations in Victoria.

Applicants must:

• Own the land where the plantation is located, or
• Have legal rights to harvest and sell the plantation’s wood resources.

Eligible applicants must also:

• Allow an on-site plantation assessment.
• Participate in an interview about the plantation and assessment process.
• Hold current public liability insurance.

Insurance Requirements

Applicants must maintain:

• Public liability insurance.
• Minimum coverage of $10 million per occurrence.

Eligible Plantation Requirements

A plantation must meet specific conditions to qualify.

Eligible plantations must:

• Be located in Victoria.
• Have a net harvest area greater than 3 hectares and less than 30 hectares.
• Contain trees planted specifically for wood production.
• Have trees established before 2021.
• Be arranged for timber production.

Eligible planting arrangements may include:

• Woodlots.
• Shelterbelts.
• Other plantation designs suitable for timber production.

The plantation must also:

• Not already be allocated for sale.
• Not have existing commitments for wood resource sales.

How the Program Works

Step 1: Application Submission

Landowners submit an application demonstrating that their plantation meets eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Plantation Assessment

A programme representative conducts an on-site assessment to evaluate:

• Plantation condition.
• Tree resources.
• Harvest potential.
• Market opportunities.

Step 3: Discussion and Interview

Participants provide information about:

• Plantation history.
• Current management practices.
• Future utilisation plans.
• Assessment experience.

Step 4: Market Opportunity Identification

Assessment results help identify possible pathways into:

• Timber markets.
• Firewood markets.
• Wood-fibre markets.

Benefits for Landowners

The programme helps plantation owners:

• Understand the value of their timber resources.
• Identify future income opportunities.
• Access professional plantation assessments.
• Improve plantation management decisions.
• Connect with broader timber supply opportunities.

Why the Program Matters

Small farm plantations often contain valuable timber resources but may face challenges accessing markets due to limited scale.

The programme helps address these challenges by:

• Supporting small growers.
• Improving timber supply coordination.
• Encouraging sustainable use of plantation resources.
• Strengthening Victoria’s forestry sector.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying with plantations outside the eligible size range.
• Applying for plantations not established for wood production.
• Failing to provide proof of ownership or harvesting rights.
• Not maintaining required insurance coverage.
• Applying for plantations already committed for sale.

Tips for applicants:

• Confirm plantation eligibility before applying.
• Keep ownership and management documents ready.
• Prepare information about plantation history.
• Be available for the assessment visit.
• Clearly explain future timber utilisation goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program?
It is a programme that provides free plantation assessments to Victorian landowners to identify commercial opportunities for small farm plantations.

Who can apply for the program?
Owners of eligible small farm plantations in Victoria, or those with harvesting and selling rights, can apply.

What size plantation is eligible?
Eligible plantations must have a net harvest area greater than 3 hectares and less than 30 hectares.

Is there any cost for the plantation assessment?
No. The programme provides free plantation assessments for eligible participants.

What markets can plantation owners access through the program?
The programme identifies opportunities in timber, firewood, and wood-fibre markets.

What insurance is required?
Applicants must have public liability insurance with coverage of at least $10 million per occurrence.

Can plantations already committed for sale apply?
No. Plantations already allocated or committed for sale are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Trees on Farms Utilisation Program provides Victorian plantation owners with valuable support to better understand and use their timber resources. Through free assessments, market guidance, and supply coordination, the programme helps small growers unlock commercial opportunities while contributing to a stronger and more sustainable wood supply network across Victoria.