Farms to boost forests’ fortunes

Whether for carbon or for timber, there is a buzz in forestry circles that is not only coming from chainsaws in forests – once again this major industry is on target to play a big part in re-booting regional economies, and putting New Zealand on track to meet its environmental commitments to the rest of the world.

Meeting government targets for increasing forest plantings will involve getting farmers on board with a forestry revolution. Achieving such a bold goal of doubling the current planting rate will require an additional 50,000ha of land a year, itself creating as many challenges as it does opportunities.

The forestry sector looks set to rebound as the new government prioritises the policy areas of climate change, employment and regional development.

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