Austrian timber industry calls for sustainable and independent forest management

The Austrian Timber Industry Association recently signed the "Charter for Independent Forest Management in Austria". Political representatives of 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 has 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 now expects 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. We need a clear commitment from the EU and Member States to sustainable forest management", Herbert Jöbstl called for. He stressed that Europe has the raw material wood and the manufacturing skills for diverse and environmentally friendly use in the bioeconomy.

Mag. Maria Kiefer-Polz, Vice-President of the European Timber Industry Organisation (EOS) and co-signatory of the charter, highlighted the problems caused to the forestry 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. The timber industry is calling 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 more than 1,300 companies and 27,400 employees.