THE state and federal governments are investigating the potential of growing trees on working farms to help grow SA's commercial forestry resources.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Expanding the farm forestry sector is viewed as a way to create future wood and fibre supplies, strengthen links between farmers and the forest industry and provide another economic return avenue for primary producers and other landowners.
Primary Industries Minister David Basham said the state government was keen to expand the commercial forestry sector in SA and believed a farm forestry program could increase the state's plantation estate by up to five per cent.
"As part of this initiative we are looking at working with industry and the federal government to help farmers explore opportunities for expanding farm forestry on their properties," he said.
"Farm forestry is a win-win situation where we can increase our state's forestry resources while giving our farmers an extra revenue stream which will support both industries to grow and create jobs.
"This year we've seen just how sought after Australian timber products are with an explosion in the housing and commercial construction industries which has been great for our economy but has put pressure on our supply chains."
Mr Basham said the program could add to existing efforts, such as the transport subsidy for fire-damaged logs from Kangaroo Island and the $2 million funding to improve industry capacity.
"Farm forestry is an example of a program which could help supplies in the long term," he said.
"The program could also encourage the uptake of carbon farming opportunities, supporting primary industries in their adaptation planning to reduce net emissions, and identifying economic opportunities as they meet the challenges associated with challenging seasonal conditions.
"Advice would also be provided to farmers and landowners on how commercial farm forestry activities including carbon sequestration through plantation forestry or farm forestry methods could benefit from the Emissions Reduction Fund."
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
