Forest Products Industry

FSC Australia will hold its 17th Annual General Meeting of Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited (FSC Australia) and Membership Networking Event, scheduled for Thursday, 30 May at the Terrace Room, National Arboretum in Canberra. Source: Timberbiz This event promises informative presentations from the FSC ANZ team, presenting comprehensive updates on its accomplishments over the past year and outlining ongoing initiatives for 2024 and beyond. The proceedings will commence with the Annual General Meeting, followed by networking opportunities over refreshments. The AGM will start at 10.30am and finish at 4.00pm with networking from 4pm until 5pm. For those unable to attend in person, you can register for virtual attendance and a viewing link will be provided for access to the presentations. This link is solely for viewing – interaction, queries, or voting will not be facilitated. You can vote using a proxy form but it must be submitted by 10am 28 May 2024. Upon registration, you will receive comprehensive details about the day’s program, including directions to the venue, parking instructions, and more. For any inquiries email info@au.fsc.org  

Applications have opened for research projects that will advance research and innovation in Australian forest and wood products. Source: Timberbiz The first of four $5 million national open calls for forestry research projects have opened, aimed at establishing new high-value wood products, developed in Australia. The funding is part of the Albanese Government’s grant agreement with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to establish and manage the $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI). The annual national open calls are open to applications from all Australian-based researchers supporting the forest and wood product industries and is not limited to the AFWI research centres. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said the open call will allow industry and researchers to undertake projects that will make a positive impact on Australia’s forest and wood product industries. “We’ve cast the net wide to ensure a broad range of Australians get the chance to share their ideas on how to propel the industry forward,” Minister Watt said. “Establishing AFWI was an election commitment which we are proud to deliver and forms part of our record $300 million investment in the industry. “This program will help to deliver a sustainable future for the industry, by helping to unlock the full potential of wood as the ultimate renewable material, while also supporting a future made in Australia.” University of Tasmania Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anthony Koutoulis said this funding presents an opportunity for researchers to develop novel and impactful ideas that support the sustainable production of wood products. “AFWI is committed to fostering innovation and empowering researchers to enhance the research capacity and capability in the forest and wood products sector now and into the future,” Professor Koutoulis said. “Encouraging collaboration between researchers and industry is vital for impactful projects. “With robust industry support and anchoring research on what really matters, research outcomes become readily applicable, ensuring lasting benefits for Australian communities.” Project applications close on 12 July 2024. For further details on this funding scheme, including eligibility requirements, refer to the relevant Grant Guidelines and Application form template on the AFWI website https://www.afwi.au/

In the heart of Paris, the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Forest Forum 2024 convened the 56 PEFC national governing bodies to confront the pressing challenges of climate change in forest management. Source: Timberbiz Against the backdrop of a warming world, forests have emerged as crucial allies, offering both resilience and solutions to combat the climate crisis. The forum spotlighted the role that forests play in adaptation, mitigation, and decarbonisation strategies and discussed the role of forest certification in international efforts to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Responsible Wood, the Australian and New Zealand national governing body for PEFC, took centre stage, advocating for enhanced recognition of sustainable forestry practices through forest certification and ensuring that Australian and New Zealand circumstances are taken into account during the evolving nature of forest certification. Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood, emphasised the pivotal role of responsible forest stewardship in mitigating the impacts of climate change. “Forests are indispensable carbon sinks and ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and livelihoods,” he said. “Responsible Wood is dedicated to ensuring that we can demonstrate that our forests are managed sustainably, safeguarding their resilience and ecological integrity, especially in the face of evolving regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation.” Dr Tony Bartlett, Chair of Responsible Wood, stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts to address global forest challenges. “As stewards of the land, it’s our responsibility to implement practices that balance environmental conservation with economic viability and social responsibility,” Tony noted. “Through initiatives like the PEFC Forest Forum, we exchange knowledge and best practices to ensure a sustainable future for our forests amidst regulatory shifts,” Mr Bartlett said. Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, highlighted the significance of forest certification schemes in promoting responsible forestry. “Certification offers consumers assurance that wood products originate from well-managed forests,” Matt described. “Supporting certified products empowers consumers to contribute to forest preservation and climate change mitigation, aligning with evolving regulations and industry standards,” Mr de Jongh said. Jonathan Tibbits, Marketing and Communications Manager at Responsible Wood emphasised the importance of raising awareness about sustainable forestry practices saying that effective communication is vital to foster a culture of responsible consumption. Through targeted campaigns and educational initiatives, Responsible Wood aims to empower individuals to make informed choices that support forest conservation, in line with regulatory requirements such as the EU Deforestation Regulation. Suzette Weeding, Vice Chair of PEFC, commended Responsible Wood’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration. “Responsible Wood exemplifies the principles of responsible forest management endorsed by PEFC,” Weeding praised. “Their dedication to promoting sustainable practices not only serves as a model for the industry but also aligns with regulatory frameworks, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation, ensuring forests remain resilient ecosystems for future generations,” she said. At the PEFC Forest Forum 2024, stakeholders shared insights and innovations, addressing the pivotal role of responsible forestry in tackling climate change and navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. As the discourse continues, Responsible Wood remains steadfast in its mission to champion sustainability, ensuring forests thrive amidst global challenges.