DEFRA and the wood industry has invited Dr Peter Bonfield OBE and the wood industry to chair a panel of business leaders in establishing a market demand-led action plan for the sector.
Called Grown in Britain, the aim of the plan is to create a viable economic, social and environmental future for the wood industry and its supply chain. It focus will be to build on new cross sector market opportunities that will drive new jobs, skills and growth.
The plan is a key part of the Government’s response to the report of the Independent Panel on Forestry in 2012.
Over the coming weeks Dr Bonfield will establish a panel to support him in this task who represent the best of British business.
At a launch of the initiative today Dr Bonfield said: "I am very pleased to contribute to this initiative which will not only have a positive impact on the sector and on UK business, but most importantly on our society and the environment."
The Confereration of Forest Industries (Confor) will lead on developing a plan for revitalising the timber supply chain, building on work undertaken so far. Its Chief Executive Stuart Goodall commented ‘A vibrant woodland and wood industry can deliver green growth, reduce atmospheric carbon and promote wildlife. Connecting the woodland with the market offers huge opportunities’.
The plan will also explore how we can take more advantage of the benefits that our woodlands and forests bring to people and society.