The Forestry & Timber Association (FTA) has published a discussion paper which it hopes will lead to government action to benefit UK woodlands, the forest industry and the public.
The paper – “A level playing field for forestry” – details national and international commitments to which the government has already signed up. Now the forest industry and other interested parties are being asked to take part in discussion which will lead to a set of proposals being presented to government in the hope of influencing action to fulfil those commitments.
The FTA says there is a serious imbalance in four areas – forestry and agriculture; forestry and society; state forestry and the private sector; primary production and recycling.
The paper includes 22 recommendations which readers can either support or reject, and the FTA is hoping for a strong response in order to produce a representative industry statement.
The final proposals will be presented at debates throughout the UK during the coming winter to which politicians and civil servants will be invited.
The first debate will take place in Wales on October 31 and details of this event and others in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be posted on the FTA website.
