Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is inviting proposals for projects that promote forestry and its benefits across Ireland. The call offers a total budget of €200,000 for projects running from June to October 2026.
About the Call
This open call supports projects that raise awareness of:
- Afforestation
- Sustainable forest management
- The benefits of forestry and timber products
The programme aims to help communicate forestry as both:
- A public good, and
- A viable commercial activity
There is a strong emphasis on engaging:
- Farmers
- Landowners
- The wider public
Focus Areas
Projects should promote the wide-ranging benefits of forestry, including:
- Climate benefits
- Environmental benefits
- Economic value
- Societal and community impacts
- Benefits of timber products
- Biodiversity and recreation value
- Rural livelihoods and forestry-linked industries
Applicants are expected to design targeted and coordinated campaigns that clearly explain these benefits and show measurable results.
Why This Funding Matters
This call supports the goals of Ireland’s Forestry Programme 2023–2027, which aims to:
- Expand national forest cover
- Promote sustainable forest management
- Align forestry growth with climate goals
- Support broader environmental and social needs
A major national challenge is meeting the afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year, which requires stronger participation from farmers and landowners.
Funding Available
- Total budget: €200,000
- Project period: June to October 2026
- Final deadline for completion and claims: 31 October 2026
Because funding is limited, applicants are encouraged to:
- Keep project costs as low as possible
- Clearly explain expected results
- Demonstrate strong value for money
Eligible Project Characteristics
Funded projects should:
- Be additional activities that would not happen without this funding
- Benefit the forestry sector as a whole
- Deliver clear and measurable impact
- Show long-term value beyond the project period where possible
Strong proposals will likely include:
- Clear outreach or awareness campaigns
- Defined target audiences
- Realistic delivery timelines
- Practical evaluation methods
- Evidence of sector-wide relevance
Payment Terms
Funding will be provided on a:
- Reimbursement basis
This means:
- Applicants must first cover project costs themselves
- Expenses are later claimed back
- Claims must be supported with proper documentation
This is important for organisations with limited upfront cash flow.
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants will need to provide:
- Evaluation plans
- Status reports
- Performance indicators
These will be used to show:
- Project effectiveness
- Reach and engagement
- Overall impact on forestry awareness and promotion
Ownership of Materials
Any materials, assets, or resources created through the project:
- Will remain the property of the Department
- May be shared across the forestry sector for wider use
Applicants should be comfortable with public-sector reuse of campaign outputs and materials.
Selection Process
This is a competitive funding call.
Proposals will be assessed using a:
- Defined marking scheme
Applicants should therefore ensure their proposals are:
- Well structured
- Outcome-focused
- Cost-conscious
- Easy to evaluate
- Clearly aligned with sector-wide forestry promotion goals
Quick Facts
- Funder: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Ireland)
- Country: Ireland
- Theme: Forestry promotion, afforestation, sustainable forest management
- Total Budget: €200,000
- Project Period: June–October 2026
- Completion/Claim Deadline: 31 October 2026
- Payment Method: Reimbursement basis
- Priority Audiences: Farmers, landowners, and the wider public
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this funding call?
It supports projects that promote forestry, afforestation, sustainable forest management, and the benefits of timber and forestry products across Ireland.
2. How much funding is available?
The total budget available under the call is €200,000.
3. Who should the projects target?
Projects should strongly engage:
- Farmers
- Landowners
- The general public
4. When must projects be completed?
Projects are expected to run between June and October 2026, and all activities and claims must be completed by 31 October 2026.
5. How is the funding paid?
Funding is paid on a reimbursement basis, so organisations must cover costs upfront and then claim eligible expenses afterward.
6. What happens to materials created through the project?
Any materials or assets developed will remain the property of the Department and may be reused across the forestry sector.
Conclusion
This DAFM open call is a valuable opportunity for organisations in Ireland to support forestry awareness and promotion through focused, high-impact campaigns.
With a €200,000 budget and a strong emphasis on afforestation, sustainable management, and public engagement, the call is particularly relevant for organisations that can influence farmers, landowners, and public understanding of forestry’s long-term value.
For more information, visit gov.ie.
