Tree growers, foresters and researchers invited to Greenmount for industry gathering
Dr Konstantinos Xyntaris invites those with an interest in tree planting to attend the Growers Gathering at CAFRE this month at Greenmount Campus.
Monday 05 October 2026
Tree growers, foresters and others involved in woodland creation across Northern Ireland are being invited to Greenmount Campus in Antrim for an industry event exploring the future of tree production and planting.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) will host ‘A Growers’ Gathering for Tree Production and Planting’ on Thursday 15 October, bringing together people working across tree production, forestry, research, policy, education and environmental organisations.
Growing demand for trees
The event comes as demand grows for high-quality trees to support new woodland creation, biodiversity enhancement and climate action initiatives across Northern Ireland.
Participants will have an opportunity to share knowledge and examine emerging opportunities in the production of young trees and the sustainable management of woodland.
The programme will include presentations from CAFRE, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Forest Service, environmental organisations and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), alongside practical demonstrations and networking.
Tree planting plans and new technology
Attendees will hear about the DAERA Tree Planting Action Plan for woodland creation, as well as future trends and opportunities in tree planting.
The programme will also explore innovations designed to accelerate tree seedling production and the potential for growers to produce high-quality planting stock.
Demonstration plots at Greenmount’s Horticulture Centre will give participants a practical look at approaches and technologies that could support successful tree seedling production and sustainable woodland creation and management.
How to register
The event takes place at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus in Antrim on Thursday 15 October 2026.
Places can be reserved online at www.cafre.ac.uk/events/
The gathering is intended to strengthen links between those producing trees and the wider forestry and environmental sectors as Northern Ireland looks at how future woodland expansion can be supported by a reliable supply of high-quality young trees.
