A Wood Panel Industries Federation (WPIF) delegation has communicated its “grave concerns” about Forestry Commission Scotland’s plans to lease land to the private sector.
WPIF director-general Alastair Kerr, Norbord’s Steve Roebuck and Egger’s John Paterson met outgoing Scottish environment minister Mike Russell to communicate the industry’s fears.
The commission has tabled proposals, as part of the Scottish Climate Change Bill, which would see 25% of the national forest estate being leased to a single entity for 75 years.
Mr Kerr said the wood processing industry could lose out if the lease was granted to a power company, who may wish to deny purchasing opportunities to competitors. He believes the proposal, in its present format, could drive the entire industry out of business.
“Mr Russell categorically guaranteed that our industry would be involved in drawing up the leases, if the proposals are ratified,” said Mr Kerr.
“He also made it clear that it is legitimate for governments to put in place guarantees over public land in order to ensure industries such as ours are not damaged as an unintended consequence of legislation.”
The wood panel industry is the largest processor of UK-grown wood outside of sawmilling, consuming 4.5 million tonnes annually – equivalent to 45% of the annual timber harvest.
