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MANAGEMENT OF GENETICALLY APPROPRIATE TREE STOCKS FOR SEED PRODUCTION (Land Managers Options)
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:
- preparatory work and documentation gathering towards the registration of seed stands for quality timber production and/or locally native sources for native woodland planting;
- removal of trees of poor form;
- tree crown release for seed production; and
- brashing and clearance of access routes for seed collection.
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 will be 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €438/ha. Repeated claims for any hectare cannot be made within 3 years.
The payment rate for preparatory work for seed stand registration will be 50% of actual costs based on receipted invoice and registration documentation.
Transition arrangements
None.
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