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New Zealand exporters sending wood or beef and leather products to the European Union (EU) will soon have to comply with new rules that aim to reduce deforestation in the supply chain. Source: RNZ New Zealand government officials and industry opposed the approach to anti-deforestation taken by the incoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), due to increased compliance costs exporters will face in proving their products have not contributed to the loss of trees. However, the European Commission was standing firm that imports of certain commodities had their part to play in addressing challenges related to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss. A European Commission spokesperson said the EUDR covered seven key commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood. “These commodities have been chosen on the basis of a thorough impact assessment identifying them as the main driver of deforestation due to agricultural expansion,” they said. Deforestation was defined as converting forests to land for agricultural use. For New Zealand, this will affect the $213 million export trade of beef and leather exports into the EU, with new rules coming into force this December. Exporters of wood products – a trade to Europe valued at around $100m – would be required to provide traceability processes to show that their products did not contribute to deforestation too. Products that do not meet the new import requirements will be rejected at the border. In recent months, the European Commission released further clarifications about the rules for operators and traders. A spokesperson said it found New Zealand to be a country with “low risk of deforestation”. “Sourcing from low-risk countries entails simplified due diligence obligations for operators and traders,” the spokesperson said. “Concretely, this means that they need to collect information but not assess and mitigate risks.” It also announced a 12-month phase-in for the new regime in December 2024, a year’s delay after the original enforcement date to give operators time to prepare, they said. “Given the EUDR’s novel character, the swift calendar, and the variety of international stakeholders involved, a 12-month additional time to phase in the system is a balanced solution to support operators around the world in securing a smooth implementation from the start,” they said. “This is essential to guarantee certainty about the way forward and to ensure the success of the EUDR.” The Wood Processors and Manufacturers’ Association chief executive Mark Ross said a working group with forest growers, wood processors and the government had been set up to work through some issues relating to the new requirement, like geolocation requirements. He said, overall, companies were “reasonably confident” they would be in a good position to meet the requirements. “At first glance the EUDR appears complex, but the best way to overcome any risks associated with the legislation and to ensure that our wood product exporters remain compliant, is for the forestry and wood processing industries to continue to work closely together on fulfilling the EUDR requirements,” said Ross. “By taking the necessary steps to comply with EUDR, the New Zealand wood products industry can gain a market advantage in Europe and globally, which will further enhance our positive sustainable forestry and wood products reputation.” However, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Trade and Investment Todd McClay wrote to the European Commission early last year, urging it to exclude New Zealand and the pastoral farming system from the regulation, among other bilateral efforts. “Without changes, this regulation risks making it too costly for many of our exporters to continue supplying the EU market, affecting over $200 million in Kiwi exports at a time when we should be growing this trade through the benefits of the NZ-EU Trade Agreement, not facing additional barriers,” said McClay in October. “New Zealand does not have a deforestation issue, and while we share the EU’s goals of promoting deforestation-free products, we already have stringent domestic protections in place. Imposing these compliance costs on our exporters is not justified.” Industry group Beef and Lamb New Zealand helped successfully lobby for the exclusion of sheepmeat with its British counterparts, the UK National Sheep Association, but senior trade policy advisor Nicholas Jolly said in May last year, it should also extent to beef. He said diverting products from the EU to other markets would significantly “devalue New Zealand’s trade”. “The loss in beef exports would begin at approximately $98 million annually, while the impact on leather exports would also be substantial, considering 45 percent of New Zealand’s leather exports by value go directly to the EU and it would be extremely difficult to find alternative markets.” Beef and Lamb New Zealand declined to comment further at the time of publish. Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA), said the deforestation regulation was “unlikely” to tackle global deforestation, as it was “poorly designed and poorly drafted”. She said New Zealand already had strict environmental regulations with enforceable penalties for negatively impacting native vegetation. “New Zealand beef exports are backed by world-leading sustainability credentials and should be treated differently to products from countries where deforestation is a genuine concern,” she said. Karapeeva said it was working closely with officials to advocate for a “more pragmatic and sensible solution” that recognised New Zealand’s trend of afforestation. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the costs imposed on exporters were disproportionate to the risk that the product was actually linked to deforestation. “New Zealand shares the European Union’s objective of addressing global deforestation but has consistently raised concerns with the approach taken in the EU Deforestation Regulation.” It also encouraged the Commission to address these concerns through the relevant committees of the New Zealand/EU Free Trade Agreement. Large exporters had to comply with the new rules by 30 December, 2025 and June 2026 for smaller-sized exporters. Ministry for Primary Industries’ Bilateral Relations & Trade divisional manager Steve Ainsworth said it was continuing to liaise with beef and forestry sectors about the requirements. “MPI and MFAT have maintained an open […]

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New Forests has announced its Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 (TAFF2) has made its first investment in timber processing infrastructure in Vietnam by investing in the Tavico Group (Tavico), one of the country’s leading suppliers of solid wood lumber and logs. Source: Timberbiz Tavico was founded in 2005 as a log trader and sawn timber mill with annual production capacity of 12,000m3 of lumber per annum, which is equivalent to approximately 800 medium sized houses. Since then, Tavico has increased its annual production capacity to approximately 250,000m3, equivalent to supplying wood for 16,500 medium sized houses. Tavico has also expanded its operations to include a distribution centre, home furniture wholesale market, warehousing and modular wooden home construction. TAFF2’s investment in Tavico will seek to establish a platform for an integrated timber processing and plantation business across Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, using Vietnam as a focal point. Tavico will look to expand into higher-value segments including finger-joint panels, flooring, furniture, glue laminated timber, and FSC-certified wood pellets. Tavico has established a 3,200-hectare FSC certified community forestry program with small holder farmers which provides employment and revenue sharing opportunities for local communities. The investment from TAFF2 will look to expand this program for smallholder farmers in Vietnam. Tavico’s ambitions for supporting and growing the availability and supply of high-quality, certified wood resources from community-based farms at scale aligns with New Forests’ and TAFF2’s vision to deliver sustainable, long-term livelihood impact through scaled, commercial activities. “We are excited to be announcing our first investment in Vietnam, partnering with Tavico, a company with significant scale and network for timber processing across the country. This collaboration reflects a shared vision for creating long-term value through innovation, sustainability, and positive impact on local communities,” Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director, Emerging Markets, New Forests said, “Vietnam remains a key player in the global wood industry, recording close to USD 4 billion in wood product exports in the first quarter of 2025 with key exports including wooden furniture, pellets, woodchips, plywood, and engineered wood products.” Vo Quang Ha, CEO, Tavico Group said that the partnership with New Forests marked an exciting new chapter in Tavico’s journey. “With their support and global expertise in sustainable forestry, we’re well-positioned to expand our impact, strengthen our value-added capabilities, and continue leading the way in responsible wood sourcing in Vietnam. Together, we aim to help elevate the entire Vietnamese wood industry by promoting higher sustainability standards, encouraging the use of certified wood, and supporting the development of a traceable, high-value supply chain that benefits both local communities and the environment.” The investment marks the fourth acquisition for New Forests’ TAFF2 strategy, which is continuing to deploy capital after announcing in April that it has acquired a majority stake in Burapha Agro-Forestry, a Laos-based timber plantation forestry company.

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South Australia’s Treasurer Stephen Mullighan delivered a State Budget this week that could best be described as “back-to-basics” that responds to the challenges of today while setting the State on a path to a more prosperous future, according to South Australian Forest Products Association CEO Nathan Paine. Source: Timberbiz “From law and order, cost-of-living support, health, road infrastructure, to targeted drought support for primary industries and the Whyalla Steelworks rescue package, the Treasurer has delivered a modest yet focused Budget that recognises the pressures faced by South Australian families, businesses and industries,” Mr Paine said. “For our state’s forest industries, SAFPA looks forward to working with the Government and Minister Clare Scriven to finalise delivery of the previously announced $20 million in forestry projects, including the Forestry Centre of Excellence – a state-of-the-art facility being developed in partnership with UniSA that will enhance forest research, education and new product development.” Mr Paine said that over the past 18 months, the Malinauskas Government had announced major investments in the forestry industry from the completed $2.34 million rollout of Australia’s largest AI-powered fire detection camera and upgraded fire tower network that has protected our estate and the community during the most recent bushfire season, to the jointly funded, purpose-built Tree Breeding Australia Research and Development facility. “We have also seen the release of the Wood Fibre and Timber Industries Master Plan and secured nearly $30 million in combined Telstra, Federal, State, Local Government and industry funding to make the Limestone Coast the most connected regional area in the nation,” Mr Paine said. “As our industry celebrates 150 years of growing the foundational fibre that underpins our communities and economy, SAFPA will continue working alongside the State Government and community leaders to deliver critical initiatives that ensure we meet the growing demand for sustainable wood and fibre products. From framing timber for homes and pallets for supply chains, to pulp, paper, and the emerging opportunities in biofuels, biochemicals and biochar – forest industries are central to South Australia’s future prosperity.”

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Forestry Australia, in partnership with ForestWorks, has launched a mentoring program for women in the industry. CEO Jacquie Martin said the program is a transformative nine-month pilot initiative designed to empower women in the forest and forest products sectors. Source: Timberbiz “We are now calling for expressions of interest from both mentors and mentees to join this groundbreaking program, funded by ForestWorks through the Australian Government’s Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP),” Ms Martin said. “Mentoring fosters’ personal and professional growth by building trust-based relationships that support goal setting, confidence, and leadership readiness,” Ms Martin said. “For women in male-dominated industries like forestry, mentoring provides critical support to overcome systemic barriers, access career opportunities, and build a strong, inclusive community that champions growth and connection.” The program will connect 25 mentor–mentee pairs, carefully matched based on shared interests, goals, and communication styles. Participants will engage in monthly one-on-one sessions (virtual or in-person), quarterly webinars, and peer support groups, exploring key themes such as: Defining your career path Establishing goals Time management for life Confidence, self-advocacy, and self-belief Work-life integration and wellbeing Building networks and connections Strategic influence and leadership Mentors will receive training on effective, inclusive mentoring practices, while mentees are encouraged to invest approximately one hour per month for meetings, plus six hours for preparation, goal setting, and development activities. The program is designed to boost confidence, foster professional growth, and support women in navigating both career and personal commitments. “This initiative is about creating lasting change,” Ms Martin said. “Participants will connect with role models, strengthen their leadership and career pathways, and build peer networks that endure beyond the program. “We’re committed to fostering a supportive community that empowers women to thrive in the forest and forest products industries.” Following the pilot, Forestry Australia will provide ForestWorks with the program’s framework, resources, learnings, and webinars, ensuring long-term accessibility and impact for the broader industry. The program is open to women working in the forest and forest product industries who are seeking support to grow their careers, develop leadership skills, and build strong professional networks. Expressions of interest from women, men and non-binary individuals who are committed allies of women in the industry are welcomed. Mentors will be selected based on their experience, values, and willingness to support and uplift the next generation of women leaders in forestry. To apply visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TPSFDGM or contact PD@forestry.org.au before Friday 4 July.

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Federal environmental approval granted for expansion of the South 32 Worsley bauxite mine has given the green light to clearing of a further 3855 hectares of native forest around Boddington south-east of Perth. Mine clearing will predominantly impact public forest in a landscape where native vegetation is already heavily fragmented due to past agricultural clearing and mining. Source: Australian Rural & Regional News These forests are known to provide important habitat for eight threatened fauna species including woylie, numbat, chuditch, western ringtail possum and quokka, along with three species of forest-dwelling cockatoos. Other conservation dependent fauna and threatened plants occur within the area to be affected by mining. Cumulative impacts from the Worsley mine expansion are in direct conflict with the vision and goals for management of public forest land articulated in the Forest Management Plan 2024-2033. This plan is intended to prioritise forest health and biodiversity of public forests and to manage forests to maintain or enhance carbon storage and improve climate resilience. In September 2021 the Western Australian Labour government announced the end of commercial timber harvesting in native forest and has since spent $80 million of public funds on transition measures to support affected workers and communities. Mine expansion takes place against a background where the Western Australian Environment Protection Authority acknowledged that clearing of vegetation within the northern jarrah forest will accelerate over the next 20 years. Experience shows the rate of clearing for mining has increased at a rate greater than that of subsequent post-mining rehabilitation. In assessing the Worsley mine expansion, the Environment Protection Authority recommended a series of conditions be imposed including protection of private land as conservation offsets, limits to the number of cockatoo nesting trees cleared for mining, and measures to limit and offset emission of greenhouse gases from clearing, mining and ore processing. Following an appeals process the Western Australian Minister for Environment chose to relax a number of conditions placed on South 32 allowing increased clearing of public native forest and removing any conditions on greenhouse gas emissions. Federal approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is subject to conditions substantively consistent with State requirements. Given this background the commitment of the Western Australian government to managing native forests to conserve biodiversity and improve climate resilience must be questioned. Bauxite mining requires complete clearing of all vegetation and the removal of a substantial part of the deeply weathered soil profile. Important habitat elements such as large decayed ground logs and old trees containing hollows suitable for cockatoo nesting are lost completely from mined landscapes and will take much longer than a century to re-establish. These impacts far exceed any temporary loss of habitat resulting from timber harvesting. Bauxite mining is an important industry for the Western Australian economy and provides a metal increasingly in demand for the transition to renewable energy. However, the community should question how much bauxite mining is enough, and whether closure of the native forest timber industry is simply a convenient smokescreen for increased mining in the jarrah forest. Dr Lachlan McCaw AFSM is a forest scientist with more than four decades experience studying and working in the forests of south-west Western Australia.

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