ICSA, in association with Forestry Services Ireland, will host an Agroforestry and Organics Guided Farm Walk in Tinahely, Co Wicklow on Wednesday, 14 January, with all farmers welcome to attend.

The event will begin at 10.30am, meeting at Tinahely GAA Club, St Kevin’s Park, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, with transport provided to the farm site.

The farm walk will give farmers a chance to see agroforestry working on a real farm and to hear how it can help them stay farming, improve their land and support biodiversity – while also providing an additional income stream, particularly when combined with the Organic Farming Scheme.

Attendees will visit the farm of John Mallick, an organic farmer since 2011 who runs a successful suckler and sheep enterprise. The walk will show a working system in action and give a practical, on-the-ground look at what agroforestry can offer.

Julian Pawlowski, Organic Specialist, will also attend as a guest speaker.

Speaking ahead of the event, an ICSA Rural Development chair said, “Agroforestry can make real financial sense for farmers, allowing them to continue farming while accessing new income supports and adding long-term value to their land. This farm walk is about showing what works in practice and helping farmers decide if it could suit their own farm.”

The event will also outline the financial supports available. Land afforested under agroforestry remains eligible for the Organic Farming Scheme and Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), with generous establishment grants and annual premiums available.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

ENDS