A new ambitious forest industries strategy published today aims to double the sector’s economic growth to £2 billion a year by 2030.
Launched by the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Industry Leadership Group (ILG), the “Roots for Further Growth” strategy sets out a long-term vision for economic growth up to 2030.
The strategy has five strategic priorities:
- Maximise the economic outputs of Scotland’s forest and fibre resource;
- Improve the safety and efficiency of the wood fibre supply chain;
- Expand markets and add value;
- Develop a workforce with skills for the future which supports inclusive growth;
- Understand and communicate the forest and wood-based industries’ contributions to Scotland’s economy.
The Roots for Further Growth strategy covers the wide-ranging economic and business activities of the forest industries sector. This includes domestic and imported wood supply chains, engineered wood products and systems, recycled wood and wood energy. It also offers opportunities for new green industries such as wood-based biotechnologies
The forest industries sector contributes significantly to Scotland’s climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in sustainably managed forests. The timber used in construction also locks up carbon in wood products.
The strategy also includes a detailed Action plan showing how all the priorities will be achieved in partnership with others, including Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Forestry Commission Scotland and Skills Development Scotland.