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Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

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MANAGEMENT OF GENETICALLY APPROPRIATE TREE STOCKS FOR SEED PRODUCTION (Tier 2)

Article 20(b)(ii)

Measure Code (122)

Rationale for Intervention

The quality of timber produced in Scotland is a key element in the competitiveness and economic viability of the supply side of the industry, and is a major theme within the Scottish Forestry Strategy 2006. The use of genetically improved nursery stock is identified as a means of enhancing timber quality. Improving the availability and selection of genetically appropriate planting stock has four policy justifications in the Strategy:

  • to promote the use of planting stock that will yield good quality timber;
  • to encourage the use of local provenances to preserve local genetic resources;
  • to embed improved ability to adapt to climate change in Scotland's woodlands; and
  • to provide economic opportunities, especially in remote rural areas around the production of local tree stocks.

Selection of genetically appropriate planting stock is affected by weak market signals relating to improved timber quality due to long time scales. Climate change also creates long-term uncertainties. Support for establishing local seed collection and seed stand registration can help stimulate supply. Revised guidance and woodland creation grant conditions are helping to stimulate the demand.

Objective of the measure

The aim of the measure is to improve the availability and use of genetically appropriate planting stock by encouraging the registration and appropriate management of seed stands and the collection of seed from them.

Scope and actions

Actions for support must be supported by a plan for the management of registered seed stands to promote seed production and facilitate seed collection, and include the following:

  • removal of trees of poor form;
  • tree crown release for seed production; and
  • brashing and clearance of access routes for seed collection.
  • Support will also be given to the cost of the registration of seed stands for quality timber production and locally native sources for native woodland planting.

Definition of beneficiaries

The financial beneficiaries are the private owners or occupiers of forested land (or associations thereof). The measure will be available to a potential beneficiary with a forest holding of greater than 1 hectare, with an available plan as described above.

Aid Intensity

The payment rate for registered seed stand management and seed collection will be 50% of a standard cost of £300/ha. Repeated claims for any hectare cannot be made within 3 years.

The payment rate for seed stand registration will be 50% of actual costs based on receipted invoice and registration documentation.

Support will be limited to a maximum of £2,000/year.

Financing

Total Public Support for Measure 122: 5.1M Euro
Total EU Contribution for Measure 122: 1.4 M Euro

Transition arrangements

None

Measure Code 122: Improving the economic value of forests

Indicator Type

Indicator

Indicative Target

Baseline

Objective 14

- Labour productivity in forestry

€28,800

Objective 15

- Gross fixed capital formation in forestry

In progress

Input

- Amount of public expenditure (total)

€5m

Output

- Number of forest holdings that received investment support (division according to the type of owners -private or municipalities-)

400 forest holdings

- Total volume of investment (division according to the type of owner)

€8m

Result

- Number of holdings introducing new products and/or techniques (division according to the type of redeployment of production)

N/A

- Increase in gross value added in supported holdings

Increase over baseline*

Additional Result

- Increase in sales in supported holdings

No target set.

Impact #

- Economic growth (net value added in Purchasing Power Standards)

Increase. No specific targets set.

- Labour productivity (€ per FTE)

N/A - Not applicable. The measure relates to existing best practice rather than new products/techniques.
*As per guidance, the proxy for Gross Value Added is to be profit (revenue minus costs). The baseline value for this result indicator will be established once information on revenue and costs in supported enterprises becomes available.
# Impact indicators will be estimated based on output and result indicators

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Page updated: Friday, July 20, 2007