The forestry sector asked prime minister Tony Blair to remove barriers that hinder sustainability and to get government to think timber at a meeting in Downing Street this week.
Forestry was one of five industry sectors at the seminar also attended by deputy prime minister John Prescott and the secretary of state for food, environment and rural affairs Margaret Beckett.
Martin Gale, vice-president of the Forest Industries Development Council which is co-ordinating the forest sector’s contribution towards a sustainability strategy, asked Mr Blair to help the industry in a number of areas.
They include support for timber growers to undergo certification, especially small- and medium-sized businesses, and the revision of measures which frustrate sustainability such as the effect of the climate change levy on the sawmilling sector.
Mr Gale said the government could work with the sector to develop competitiveness along the whole wood chain, along the lines of the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster.
Developing a pro-wood ethos in regulations, partic-ularly through revised building regulations in the construction sector was also presented as a target area.
The meeting was preceded by talks with forestry minister Elliot Morley, also attended by the Timber Trade Federation.
Peter Wilson, FIDC executive director, said: ‘Both meetings were very positive and ministers and officials were clearly impressed with the sector’s progress to date. NGOs were also very supportive.’
Business leaders from the sector will meet ministers and officials another three or four times to discuss a sector sustainability strategy in time for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa next year.
