Got wood? Learn how to use it at Launceston conference

If you have a forest or are thinking about growing trees for profit or environmental benefit then you need to be in Launceston 23-26 October for the major National Forestry Conference run by Australian Forest Growers (AFG).

Dr Kevin Harding, National President said, ‘The media and indeed parliament have been focused on plantations and investments that failed, and it is time to look at how people can grow trees, make money and improve their natural environment at the same time– after all, private forest growers have done this pretty well through the ages’.

‘The AFG Conference will present delegates with speeches, papers, workshops and tours to showcase world class economic, environmental and forest management practices.

The four major themes for the 2016 Conference are:

1.       Investment (Why Invest in Forestry?)

2.       Sustainability and Environment

3.       Forest Growth and Productivity

4.       Research, Innovation and Commercialisation

The investment theme will cover; Institutional investment, DIY/mum’s & dad’s succession, taxation, estate planning, incentives, insurance, future directions, and markets.

Sustainability and environment will help delegates understand; Biodiversity, grazing, water management, fire, forest practices systems and community issues.

Forest growth and productivity will include; Silviculture, nutrition, pests and diseases, genetics/tree breeding, establishment, species x sites, management systems and harvesting.

Research and innovation will look at the latest in; Engineered wood, bioenergy, agroforestry, certification, GIS, inventory, processing, public relations, education (research hubs), management and silviculture, and modeling tools such as the farm forestry toolbox.

In addition, inaugural Grower Workshops, embedded in the Conference program, give private forest owners and managers opportunity to share and discuss their stories.

For more information about the conference and to register as delegate, speaker or Grower Workshop participant, see www.afg.asn.au

Media Contact: Arthur Lyons, Conference Convenor, Australian Forest Growers Tel: 0419 000 630