Trees on Farms Utilisation Program

Overview

The Trees on Farms Utilisation Program helps landowners make their timber resource more valuable. It is open to owners of small farm plantations (between 3 and 30 hectares).

Eligible participants can receive a free farm plantation assessment. This will look at the commercial potential of their timber resource. The aim is to identify pathways into timber, firewood and wood-fibre markets.

Data from the assessment process will be used to develop a statewide wood supply model. This will support aggregation and coordination among growers.

The program is now open to all eligible landowners across Victoria.

Who can apply

To be eligible to receive a farm plantation assessment, applicants must:

• own the land on which an eligible plantation is located or have the rights to harvest and sell the plantation’s wood resources.
• allow an on-site visit to the plantation for the assessors to undertake the assessment.
• be willing (and declare that any plantation managers working on the plantation are willing) to participate in an interview with the assessors about the plantation and assessment process.
• maintain current public liability insurance with a minimum of $10 million coverage per occurrence.

A land manager or forestry professional may apply on behalf of a landowner, provided the landowner meets the above eligibility requirements and written consent from the landowner is supplied.

Eligible plantations

To be eligible for inclusion in the program, a plantation must:

• have a net harvest area greater than 3 hectares and less than 30 hectares*
• inlcude trees that were established specifically for wood production prior to 2021
• contain trees planted in a woodlot, shelterbelt or other arrangement optimised for timber production
• not be already allocated or committed for sale
• be located in Victoria.

Plantations established under previous Victorian or Commonwealth plantations incentives schemes are welcome to apply.

* Plantations with an estimated net harvest area exceeding 30 hectares can still submit an expression of interest. Refer to the guidelines for details.

What might be funded

The Trees on Farms Utilisation Program will provide for a free farm plantation assessment and report for landowners.

Assessment process

The assessment process will involve:

• remote analysis of the wood resource and plantation site
• on-ground site inspections, and calculations to measure the standing wood resource
• a structured interview between the assessor and the applicant (including the landowner, land manager or forestry professional, as relevant).

A farm plantation assessment will include:

• Harvesting regulations – local, state or federal
• Details of current tree sizes and numbers
• Estimated wood resource quality and quantity
• Planning and future management opportunities
• Harvesting, transport and market access opportunities
• Information on harvesting practices

Further details are available in the guidelines.

Funding details

Successful applicants will be assigned a plantation assessor to carry out a farm plantation assessment and produce a farm plantation assessment report.

The Trees on Farms Utilisation Program will fund the full cost of the assessment.

Funding will be paid directly to the assessors by DEECA on completion of the service.

How to apply

To apply for the program, landowners must submit an expression of interest (EOI):

1. Read the program guidelines carefully to confirm you are eligible. If you would like to confirm your eligibility or have any questions, please email plantationforestry@deeca.vic.gov.au
2. Select and complete the correct EOI form, based on who is applying:
   1. Landowner
   2. Land manager (on behalf of a landowner)
   3. Forestry professional (on behalf of a landowner)
3. Gather the required information including evidence of landowner consent (if required).
4. Submit your EOI online.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I participate in the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program?

By having a farm plantation assessment undertaken, you will gain a clearer understanding of the value of the wood resources in your existing farm plantation. This information can help you assess the costs and benefits of harvesting. It will also support your engagement with local wood processors to commercialise your existing tree crop.

Plantations assessed through the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program may be eligible for future plantation programs.

Why is Victoria supporting the use of wood resources from small plantations?

Victoria’s population is forecasted to grow significantly over the coming decades, with timber demand projected to quadruple within the next 50 years. This surge presents a strategic opportunity to reposition farm plantations as key contributors to the timber supply chain.

Additional resources

• Trees on Farms Utilisation Program – statewide release – expression of interest guidelines [PDF File - 5.7 MB]
• Trees on Farms Utilisation Program – statewide release – expression of interest guidelines [MS Word Document - 60.2 KB]

For plantations over 30 hectares a statutory declaration may be submitted:

• Statutory declaration [PDF File - 122.9 KB]
• Statutory declaration (accessible version) [MS Word Document - 35.1 KB]