Austrian timber industry calls for sustainable and independent forest management

The Austrian Timber Industry Association has recently signed the "Charter for independent forest management in Austria". Political representatives from rural areas and the timber value chain support this initiative to promote sustainable and independent forest management.

Mag. Herbert Jöbstl, President of the Austrian Timber Industry Association and co-signatory of the petition, said: "Sustainable forest management and diversified use of wood have been a successful model in Austria for generations. We want to continue on this path together with our partners in the timber value chain. Unfortunately, some EU policy initiatives related to forestry lead to restrictions in the use of wood as a sustainable and renewable resource."

The timber industry is now expecting a change of direction on the European Green Pact after the European Parliament elections. "We expect the new European Parliament and the new European Commission to create a Green Pact together with the timber value chain, not going over our heads. A clear commitment of the EU and Member States to sustainable forest management is needed", called Herbert Jöbstl. He underlined that Europe has wood as a raw material and manufacturing skills for diverse and environmentally friendly use in the bio-economy.

Mag. Maria Kiefer-Polz, Vice-President of the European Timber Industry Organization (EOS) and co-signatory of the charter, highlighted the problems caused to the forest and timber industry by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Although the EUDR is due to apply from January 2025, there are still many questions about implementation. Thus, the timber industry is asking for a longer implementation period and for supply chain processes and operational practice to be taken into account by the European Commission in further implementation.

The "Charter for independent forest management in Austria" is available for download at www.holzindustrie.at. The timber industry is a key sector in the Austrian timber value chain, with over 1,300 companies and 27,400 employees.