'FTA... alone - and in partnership with others - (will) encourage and assist the development of forestry into a mature and successful industry. Public perceptions of "serried ranks of conifers" and "wall-to-wall" Sitka seem to be less prominent andcriticism of our industry has declined dramatically': Chris Inglis, executive director, reports on background to, and the achievements so far of the one-year-old Forestry and Timber Association. If ever there was a need for a strong voice from the growing end of the forest industry, it is now. It remains in deep recession as illustrated by the latest Forest Enterprise standing sales and softwood log index which shows a 28.6 percent reduction in timber prices - in real terms - on the previous years figures. What are we going to do about today's tough forestry environment? The FTA has developed excellent relations with the UKFPA, which represents the processors as well as the Forestry Commission and others, with whom we are planning to work in partnership on various fronts. Certification remains an important issue which will be addressed in the New Year with a series of workshops around the country.
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