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The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) acknowledges the World Forest ID (WFID) report, which revealed troubling evidence of incorrect harvest location claims in some FSC-certified products in the UK. Source: Timberbiz FSC confronts these findings with unwavering commitment to accountability. There is no room for compromise in our mission to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. The report identifies issues with birch products from countries bordering Russia and Belarus, areas under heightened scrutiny due to sanctions. The anonymized nature of the study limits our ability to pinpoint specific actors, but FSC is not standing idle, it is taking decisive action to safeguard the integrity of its certification system. Since withdrawing certification from Russia and Belarus in 2023, FSC has prioritized eliminating risks of illegal timber from Russia entering our supply chains. The comprehensive measures include: Eurasia Integrity Workplan (2024): A rigorous ongoing investigation of over 800 certificate holders across the Eurasian region, encompassing: Transaction verification investigations to detect false claims and other fraudulent behaviour in birch wood panel supply chains, which have yielded some preliminary results. Isotope-based wood sample testing, to verify timber origins. Targeted investigations into certificate holders suspected of misconduct. Auditor training to enhance scrutiny in vulnerable supply chains. Supply chain integrity measures in association with Assurance Services International (ASI): Ongoing transaction verification of birch plywood supply chains, launched in 2023, has yielded preliminary findings. Field investigation in Kazakhstan (2024), which resulted in two companies exiting FSC and one being blocked from seeking recertification. Unyielding Commitment to Integrity Findings of the report are a call to action, and FSC is answering with urgency. While the study’s anonymized data restricts immediate investigations, it invites stakeholders to provide actionable evidence. FSC stands ready to investigate and enforce consequences swiftly, in line with its stringent protocols. When FSC finds compelling evidence against companies who intentionally try to deceive the certification system, FSC will revoke its FSC certificate and block them from re-entering the FSC system. Since 2020, FSC has blocked 77 certified companies for deliberately making false claims on their products or for acting with malicious intent. The certification represents a commitment to sustainable and responsible management of the world’s forests and forest product supply chains. FSC is defending that promise through innovation, transparency, and accountability. Any breach of trust will be met with swift, decisive action.

The American Wood Council (AWC) has released a new, first-of-its kind online tool designed to help users better understand where their wood products are coming from and the safeguards in place throughout the supply chain to ensure sustainability measures. Source: Timberbiz The tool will provide greater insight into the sourcing of wood products used in low-and zero-carbon construction. The pilot project of the website was funded by the Softwood Lumber Board and the US Endowment for Forestry & Communities funding. The new Wood Sourcing Tool tells the sustainability story through the incorporation of data based on a wood product’s mill grade stamp or region, information critical to tracking a specific product’s journey from the forest to the end user. This new tool also features a set of frequently asked questions about sustainable forestry and regional facts about wood sourcing, information that can give users broader understanding about the wood products being used in buildings across the country. “As questions around the sustainability of fibre supply continues to grow alongside interest in mass timber in commercial construction, this online Wood Sourcing Tool promises to provide regional, robust data that will provide assurances being sought by the architect, engineering and construction communities,” said AWC Vice President of Markets & Sustainability Rachael Jamison. The sourcing data on the site is based on the ASTM D7612-21 standard, which offers a robust and objective framework for identifying wood product sources. Fiber sourcing data is provided by AWC member companies with manufacturing facilities in the United States and is updated on an annual basis, with 2021 data the most recent available and shown on the site. When assessing the sustainability of wood products, there are three categories that are applied: Non-Controversial – products from non-controversial, or legal, sources are from geographic areas with a low risk of illegal activity or are compliant with legal or proprietary standards. Responsible– products from responsible sources are from geographic areas in compliance with an independently certified procurement standard or from geographic areas with programs that implement best management practices. Certified – products from certified sources are independently certified to an internationally recognized forest management certification standard. Each gives different assurances of the practices that take place in the forests where the wood is grown and at the manufacturing site.  

The European Commission is providing further simplifications and reducing the administrative burden to facilitate the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In this context, it has published new guidance documents in view of the Regulation’s entry into application at the end of this year for Member States, operators and traders. Source: Timberbiz With these clarifications and simplifications, the Commission is also replying to feedback from its international partners. With these simplifications, the Commission is delivering on its commitment to the European Parliament and the Council, while guaranteeing regulatory certainty within the boundaries of the Regulation. The updated guidance and Frequently Asked Questions will provide companies, EU Member States’ authorities and partner countries with additional simplified measures and clarifications on how to demonstrate that their products are deforestation-free. Both documents reflect the input from Member States, partner countries, businesses, and industry. This will also guarantee harmonised implementation of the law across the EU. The simplifications introduced will be further complemented by a Delegated Act, published also today for public consultation. The Act provides further clarifications and simplification on the scope of EUDR, addressing stakeholders’ request for guidance on specific categories of products. This will also avoid unnecessary administrative costs for economic operators and authorities. Finally, the Commission is currently finalising the country benchmarking system through an Implementing Act. It will be adopted no later than 30 June 2025 following discussions with Member States. Together, all these measures will lead to a currently estimated 30% reduction of administrative costs and burden for companies. This will ensure a simple, fair and cost-efficient implementation of this key piece of legislation. The EUDR has already led to positive developments and action on the ground to fight deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss. Key simplification measures With today’s new guidance documents, the Commission has introduced a number of simplification measures, for example: Large companies can reuse existing due diligence statements when goods, previously on the EU market, are reimported. This means that less information needs to be submitted in the IT system; An authorised representative can now submit a due diligence statement on behalf of members of company groups; Companies will be allowed to submit due diligence statements annually instead of for every shipment or batch placed on the EU market; Clarification of ‘ascertaining’ that due diligence has been carried out, so that large companies downstream benefit from simplified obligations (a minimal legal obligation of collecting reference numbers of Due Diligence Statement (DDS) from their suppliers and using those references for their own DDS submissions now applies). All the updated measures are expected to significantly reduce the number of due diligence statements that companies need to file, replying to key industry demands. The goal of these simplifications for due diligence statements is to ensure easy and efficient data entry for all users. The Commission has strengthened dialogue with third countries, businesses, civil society and global partners to facilitate implementation and support preparation through dedicated meetings and online trainings since 2024 in line with our Strategic Framework for Cooperation and Engagement. The Commission will continue responding to feedback from stakeholders, EU Member States and partner countries to assist traders and operators with implementation on the ground and provide further guidance, as necessary. In 2024, the Commission already held over 300 dedicated meetings on the EUDR with stakeholders, including global partners, to facilitate implementation. To support preparation, the Commission has already offered over 50 webinars with 15,500 places for online trainings on the use of the Information System open to all interested stakeholders, supported by online videos in multiple languages and a training system for familiarisation. The Commission also scaled up support to global partners under its Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-free Value chains (EUR 86 million) to support partner countries transitioning to sustainable, deforestation-free, and legal value chains.

Hear first-hand from Tasmanian farmers about their experiences growing and managing trees for timber, carbon and other on-farm benefits at this year’s AgFest in Carrick, Tasmania. Source: Timberbiz AgFest is a fantastic opportunity for farmers and landowners to engage directly with experts and learn more about sustainable timber growing practices. You have the chance to have face-to-face chats about the benefits and techniques of growing timber on a farm. At the AgFest Table Talk on Thursday, 1 May you will get to hear from two experienced Tasmanian farmers who have successfully integrated agroforestry and silvicultural systems into their enterprises enhancing both sustainability and profitability. One-time Australian Tree Farmer of the Year John Lord and The Back Run owner Sarah Clark will share their insights on growing and managing trees for timber, carbon, and other on-farm benefits. Explore the world of forestry with Private Forests Tasmania and TasFarmers at site 704, 706 and 708 on Seventh Avenue on 1-3 May. AgFest are multi-award-winning agricultural field days organised by volunteer members of Rural Youth Tasmania. These young, passionate and innovative members spend countless hours planning, working, managing and promoting the event to ensure everyone enjoys the AgFest experience. AgFest 2025 is on 1-3 May in the Paddock, Carrick from 8:00am-4:00pm each day. For more information visit: https://agfest.com.au/  

This article was originally published by the Forest Owners Association, a key collaborator on the Pakuratahi Land Use Study. The second Pakuratahi Land Use Study, a groundbreaking initiative in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, is investigating the environmental impacts of forestry and farming to shape sustainable land management practices. Sources: NZ Forest Owners Association, Scion By comparing a pine forest catchment in Pakuratahi with an adjacent farmed catchment in Tamingimingi and a native forest catchment (Fisher’s Block), the study tracks water quality, soil health and aquatic ecosystems to inform forestry practices amid climate challenges. In 2024, led by James Powrie and the FOA/FFA Environment Committee and backed by the Forest Growers Levy Trust, the project made significant progress in its mission to document productivity with environmental stewardship for the side-by side differing land cover types. The original study, started nearly 30 years ago, examined the environmental outcomes of a farmed catchment versus a radiata pine forest, aiming to address the question of whether land in forestry or pasture produces more sediment. This second study, Pakuratahi version 2.0, aims to provide evidence right across the harvest cycle from pre- to post-harvest to next crop establishment to build an understanding of the environmental effects of harvesting and re-establishment. In this study, the second rotation harvest will also be compared to the first and a native forest catchment has been added. The study will use modern tools like environmental eDNA and LiDAR and will generate a template for use in studying other catchments around New Zealand. A cornerstone of the year’s work was the finalisation of a 15-year project plan and the compilation of baseline data into a comprehensive ‘story map’ to guide future research. The plan focuses on data collection, catchment monitoring, education and governance to improve forestry practices amid rising climate risks. A flexible three-year operational plan will be updated annually to adapt to emerging research opportunities. Water and soil monitoring progressed with two water quality stations scheduled for periodic sampling from early 2025. Soil quality assessments, aligned with the regional Soil Quality Monitoring programme, began across varied land covers, including juvenile and mature forest blocks. These efforts will inform long-term environmental strategies. Fish surveys, conducted via electric fishing and eDNA sampling, revealed thriving aquatic ecosystems. Pakuratahi’s pine forest stream teemed with koaro, a whitebait species, indicating high water quality. While Tamingimingi’s pasture stream showed similar biodiversity, the native forest stream had fewer fish, possibly due to habitat constraints. These valuable results offer insights into how land use affects freshwater ecosystems. LiDAR technology mapped erosion patterns before and after Cyclone Gabrielle, enhancing the team’s knowledge of sediment movement. A new Ministry for the Environment and Ministry for Primary Industries-backed study will expand the new soil monitoring approaches across seven land cover types including pine plantations, pasture and native forest. This study will leverage LiDAR and satellite data and aims to refine how we measure the long-term environmental effects of land use. Looking ahead to 2025, the project aims to deliver its first full year of baseline stream monitoring data, establish sediment monitoring and undertake detailed geology and soil studies. A public web portal will be launched to help tell the story behind the data and increased outreach is planned throughout the year to share knowledge and the Pakuratahi study continues to pave the way for environmentally conscious forestry.

Throughout his life, Craig Collins has journeyed around the country from being a self-proclaimed vagabond, to a Primary School Teacher, and finally finding home as a Drymill Analyst. Source: Timberbiz Over the past 30 years, he has dedicated his working life to OneFortyOne’s Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier. “After finishing school, I was a roustabout around northern SA, then spent a year as a vagabond and beach bum in Perth,”Mr Collins said. “Eventually, I moved to Adelaide, became an optometric assistant, then spent two years in Darwin. “I returned to Adelaide, and attend Underdale College, now Uni SA, and completed a Diploma in Primary School Teaching. “I taught for six years at Glenburnie and McDonald Park Primary. “ Mr Collins found his way to the Jubilee Sawmill in 1995. “In the ‘90s, it was challenging to secure a full-time teaching job, and I wanted to buy a house, and needed a full-time position to get a loan,” he said. “I secured a position in Dry Mill A on the Stetson Ross line. “Back then, it was all manual labour, which I loved. “Transitioning from teaching to this role felt liberating, and I’ve been here ever since”. Mr Collins now works as an operator and analyst in Dry Mill A. “Once the orders come in, I input the data into the computers and monitor the line to ensure everything is running smoothly,” he said. “If something goes wrong, I investigate the issue and try to come up with a solution with the help of the leadership team”. In his spare time, Mr Collins loves spending time with his 92-year-old mum, taking her shopping and out for coffee with friends. “Mum can’t drive, so I take her out to do things that she wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” he said. When he’s not taking care of his mum, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, going for drives to see the countryside, and savouring a good coffee. “One of the biggest changes during my time here has been the modernisation of the physical work on the line,” Mr Collins said. “Introducing robotics and computers has made the work easier and less labour-intensive, while also increasing the speed. “When I first started, we were producing 30,000 lineal meters per shift, and now we are doing up to 306,000 lineal meters.” Mr Collins said the constant changes are both the best and most challenging part of his job. “I enjoy the daily challenges and the fact that every day is different. “The challenging part is trying to overcome problems on the line, it doesn’t always work out how you like, but it’s satisfying when you succeed. “When you have a good day, the rewards are great. “The camaraderie with good friends and workmates, along with the great interactions with colleagues, makes the workplace a rewarding environment”. Mr Collins’ resilience in adapting to change and finding joy in both his professional and personal life is something to be admired.

At a recent Try a Trade & Employment Expo in Tumut, NSW, Forestry Corporation of NSW gave students an immersive and hands-on look at modern forestry using ForestLearning‘s ForestVR. Source: Timberbiz FWPA’s ForestLearning initiative supports the education of the next generation with valuable learning resources for teacher and educators. By having access to quality, curriculum aligned teaching resources, the program ensures schoolteachers, educators and the public are served with evidence-based information on Australian forests and wood products. One of the most popular resources is the teaching tool and library of virtual reality and 360° videos, ForestVR. With everything from drone technologies and eucalyptus leaves to ForestVR virtual reality headsets on display, students discovered how forestry careers blend science, technology, environmental stewardship and practical skills — all aligned with the real-world curriculum topics many teachers are already covering in subjects like science, geography, and design & technologies. At the FCNSW booth, students were invited to: Touch and explore native and plantation species like eucalyptus and pine See forestry tech in action with drone demos and interactive mapping apps Connect to careers through casual conversations with team members in both boots and suits — showing the wide range of pathways in forestry Experience ForestVR™, stepping into Australian forests to witness 30 years of forest growth and management, sustainable harvesting with high-tech machinery, and advanced timber processing using laser scanners and ultrasound. They also experienced a “day in the life” of forestry professionals from environmental foresters to wood processing cadets gaining insight into real-world careers and sustainable forest management in action. “ForestVR provided students the ultimate immersive experience,” said Billie-Jo Brown, Southern Planning Manager at FCNSW. As this event showed, students were eager to explore the environment in new ways especially when it’s immersive, interactive, and real-world context. ForestVR helps industry event exhibitors introduce complex topics like forest cycles, land use, and sustainable design in a way that’s engaging and helps to improve understanding of their important work. The ForestVR Loan Kit is ideal for use at community events, trade shows, school open days, and field days, where it serves as an eye-catching attraction that educates and inspires attendees. By providing an immersive, first-hand look at Australia’s forest industries, members can spark meaningful conversations about sustainability, forestry, and renewable resources. FWPA members can book a ForestVR Loan Kit through ForestLearning’s online request form at https://fwpa.com.au/tool/forestvr-loan-initiaitve/

The Greens have put forward their idea of what should be happening in Tasmania with native forest policy, and it is important that the forestry industry keeps abreast of what this party is proposing. The article below appeared in Pulse Tasmania. Sources: Timberbiz, Pulse Tasmania A bold new proposal has been put forward by the Greens to end Tasmanian native forest logging while creating thousands of new jobs in conservation and eco-tourism. The Greens say their comprehensive $3.98 billion plan to phase out native timber harvesting in the island state over 20 years would be funded by increasing taxes on corporations and billionaires. The proposal would see Tasmania’s Regional Forest Agreement repealed and the logging industry’s exemption from national environmental laws removed. Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said the state could lead the way in climate action and forest protection. “Our forests are a global treasure. They store carbon, protect wildlife and inspire wonder. They should be protected for future generations,” McKim said. “During global biodiversity and climate crises, Tasmania can lead the way in climate action and forest protection. We’ve got the people, the science and the opportunity to build a future based on restoration and care, not destruction.” The plan promises to create 3,579 new jobs in forest restoration, conservation, firefighting, education and sustainable tourism. The say these new jobs significantly outweigh the approximately 290 positions currently in native forest logging. It also includes $50 million to establish new National Parks across Tasmania, drawn from the Greens’ proposed $5 billion Protected Areas Fund. Tasmania remains one of just two Australian states still permitting widespread native forest logging. “With political courage and public investment, we can support those workers and create thousands more good, meaningful jobs that actually heal the land,” McKim said. Tasmania’s Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, has previously said that Tasmania’s forestry industry “provides an exceedingly high degree of environmental protection and sustainability”. “We are blessed in Tasmania to have a sustainable, word-class native forestry sector that puts food on the table for thousands of families,” he said in January.  

In the lead up to the Federal poll AFCA and AFPA will be provide a joint election briefing for members next Wednesday 30 April. Source: Timberbiz The briefing will include an overview of AFPA’s election activities, where the parties are positioned on forest industries and results of its advocacy and discussions of potential outcomes and priorities for the next parliament. If you have any questions you would like to have answered during this briefing, you can send these to Tim Lester at tim@afca.asn.au To register for the meeting: https://meeting.zoho.com.au/meeting/register?sessionId=1475101304

Grants of up to $1,500 are now available to drought affected farming families and rural small business owners, for direct, practical support, through the State Government’s Rural Support Grant. Source: Timberbiz Delivered through Rural Business Support (RBS) from the Malinauskas State Government’s Drought Support Package, this assistance offers relief to help cover essentials like council rate, power bills, vehicle repairs and school costs. The $55 million Drought Support Package, which is in addition to the $18 million in initial assistance announced in November 2024, brings State Government’s total drought relief investment to $73 million. The grant is delivered via the RBS Relief Fund, the charity arm of RBS, and is designed to help families who are working with the Rural Financial Counselling Service, which helps to meet people where they are, providing practical relief so they can focus on finding a way forward. The $1,500 grants will assist to help cover essential costs such as: Council rates Utility bills Medical appointments and prescriptions Vehicle repairs School costs and household needs. “Our support package was always designed to provide household relief, as well as long term assistance for our primary producers across the state,” said South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. “This practical assistance ensures our rural communities aren’t faced with unpaid invoices, skipping medical appointments, giving up on school opportunities, or quietly going without.” Farming families and rural small and family business owners can start their Rural Financial Counselling journey by contacting Rural Business Support on 1800 836 211 or by visiting https://www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au/ The Government has also quadrupled the processing team for the On-farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, through a whole-of-government mobilisation effort. This means vital infrastructure support can be delivered more quickly.