Forestry and wood sector 'unbelievably important', says Rory Stewart MP

Confor's Chief Executive Stuart Goodall welcomed the comments and said he looked forward to Mr Stewart outlining forestry and timber's pivotal role in his keynote address at Confor's London conference on November 10.

Mr Stewart, who has significant forestry and wood processing interests in his Penrith and the Border constituency, told the EFRA (Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) committee meeting: "It [forestry and timber] is a £2 billion industry; there are 40,000 people employed in this industry...in 2008, we were only producing 8 million tonnes of timber; we are producing 12 million tonnes now."

Mr Stewart also stressed that there was "real government enthusiasm for the wood-processing industry" at the EFRA committee meeting. In the same discussion, Chris Davies MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Forestry, called for a fresh look at planting and a broader approach in England because "the industry is crying out for spruce".

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, said: "It is great to hear such positive comments about the forestry and timber sector - and an excellent level of understanding -  from the minister and the APPG chair.

"Rory Stewart took part in a Confor Fringe event at the Conservative Party conference in October, while Chris Davies discussed the forestry and timber sector with members at a dinner. It is great to see this positive engagement with key people is feeding back into high-level discussions at Westminster.

"We very much look forward to the contribution of Rory Stewart and Chris Davies at the Westminster conference, an event which offers the sector a terrific opportunity to discuss matters of crucial importance with the minister and other politicians.

"Top of the priority list is driving up new planting to secure the long-term future of the sector and those 40,000 jobs and £2 billion economic contribution mentioned by Rory Stewart."

Colin Mann, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands, sponsor of the Westminster conference, said: "It is great to see that forestry is firmly on the agenda at Westminster and I anticipate some excellent discussion at the conference.

"I look forward to hearing Rory Stewart's thoughts on a sector which he clearly values very highly and I am delighted that Confor's engagement appears to be having such a positive effect."

To secure a place at the conference, email liz@confor.org.uk