Farmers will only grow plantations if the trees are an integral part of a farm plan with sustainable access to a local processor. They also must have trust in specialists who have put forward an evidence-based business plan. By Philip Hopkins for Timberbiz
That was a key message by Warragul forestry consultant, Braden Jenkin, in a recent lecture at the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences at Melbourne University.
Mr Jenkin is a Fellow in the school, which is part of the Faculty of Science. His research – the lessons to be learnt from the history of tree planting in Australia – is part of the joint industry-universities Next Generation Plantation Investment project. This aims to find the best way to expand the nation’s plantation estate, with Gippsland and the Colac region in western Victoria key areas of focus.
Mr Jenkin said it was imperative to look beyond the “high value myth”.
The next edition of Australian Forests & Timber News will feature a more in-depth coverage of the Jenkin lecture.
