Afforestation Grant Scheme (AGS)

The Afforestation Grant Scheme is a Government initiative introduced in the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change: Options for a Plan of Action discussion document released in December 2006.

The AGS offers an alternative to the proposed New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) as a way to encourage greater levels of greenhouse gas absorption by increasing the area of Kyoto-compliant new forest in New Zealand.

Another objective of the AGS is to establish Kyoto-compliant forest in areas where it will help reduce the likely impacts of climate change and generate other environmental benefits, for example, where it will reduce soil erosion, nutrient leaching and flood peaks.

The goal of the Afforestation Grant Scheme is to encourage the establishment of new forest land in New Zealand in order to stabilize the greenhouse gas concentration of the atmosphere (by converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into carbon stored in wood).

Under the Government's Regional Council Pool, priority will be given to afforestation proposals that will:

• Reduce the risk of soil erosion
• Improve water quality
• Improve biodiversity

Who can apply for an Afforestation Grant?

Provided that certain land eligibility criteria are met, persons owning land within Environment Canterbury’s boundary, with the right to use land for forestry can obtain an AGS grant through the Regional Council.

Individuals, business entities and local government may apply for the AGS grant provided they own the land, or have the right to use the land for forestry.

Timing of the annual programme will be as follows:

 Information about the funding process (pdf 950kB)

 Download an application form (pdf 183kB)

Environment Enhancement Fund