Farm Forestry New Zealand
The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association partnered with the Forest Owners Association to introduce a Forest Growers levy. From January 2014 an industry levy has been imposed on all harvested wood from New Zealand plantation forests. Currently set at 27c per tonne the levy collects around $10 million a year, which is administered by a Trust and invested in areas of research, development and promotion to further advance NZ forestry both here and overseas. The Trust website is http://www.fglt.org.nz/
Forest Growers levy
Growing the forest story: Forest Call
Forestry has come out of the shadows into the spotlight. Our industry is undoubtedly New Zealand’s main weapon against climate change by locking up vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Forest Call Episode 1
Join Don Carson for an inside look into Forestry in NZ. This show has an extensive interview with Forestry Minister Shane Jones plus new technology being used in our forests.… - Forest Call Episode 2
In Forest Call this week we look at falcons and kaka, two quite different examples of endangered bird species in our plantation forests, and talk to Scion’s fire research team… - Forest Call episode 3
In Forest Call this week we talk to Paul Burridge about the career opportunities for young people in forestry – the sector with the most guaranteed growth curve. We also… - Forest Call episode 4
Today we head off out of the forests and off to some tall timber of another sort. Wooden construction high rise. It was once that going to two stories, with… - Forest Call episode 5
Today we make a call on Climate Change, what trees can do about resisting it and how it works. Plus an interview with Murray Sherwin from NZ Productivity Commission 2… - Forest Call episode 6
This week we look at native trees with a trip to Matakana and other species including eucalyptus and Pinus radiata. plus an interview with Peter Berg. One post Post from… - Forest Call episode 7
This week our focus is on health and safety. Forestry gets bad press for safety performance. However in real terms,, the forest industry does a better job of health and… - Forest Call episode 8
Forest Call this week looks at how the industry is dealing with the issue of forest debris flows from the massive storms at Tolaga Bay and Takaka earlier this year.… - Forest Call episode 9
On this show Geoff Thompson from the Forest growers Levy Trust; and a report on new technology to fight moths from Scion. One post Post from Dean Satchell on October 10,… - Forest Call episode 10
In the final of our series Don Carson looks at pests, diseases and the science going into our forestry industry. No posts yetAdd a post
Information on the growers levy
- Latest levy rate
- Work Programmes and Reports
- Facts and Figures - NZ Plantation Forest Industry
- Levy comparisons by sector 2017
- Strategic allocation of levy funds, 2018 budget
- Growing the forest story: Forest Call
- Commodity Levy pre-communications research
Forest Growers Research website
Forest Growers Research (FGR) co-ordinates industry input and funding of research programmes relevant to the forest growing sector:
FGR Research programmes
- Forest Health »
- Radiata Management »
- Specialty Species »
- Steepland Harvesting »
- Extreme Fire »
- Licence to Operate »
- Calculators »
Headlines archive
- Harvesting Innovation Workshops yield useful results for small growers January 2020
Six Forest Growers Levy funded workshops have been held throughout New Zealand, focussing on harvesting innovations taking place in small-scale forests. This has resulted in useful insights into recent developments that could be… - Steve Wilton re-elected to Forest Levy board October 2015
Steve Wilton has been re-elected to the Forest Growers Levy Trust board as a representative of growers of small plantation forests. He was challenged by Guy Farman who, like Mr… - Forest grower poll open October 2015
Voting is now open for the person who will represent owners of smaller forests on the Forest Growers Levy Trust board. Voting is now open for the person who will… - Forest Growers Levy Trust 2015 Board Election September 2015
Voting for board vacancy 5 – 16 October 2015: Notice to representatives of owners of less than 1000 ha of forest. For voting and entitlement information plus the voting form… - Notice to Forest Growers Levy Payers August 2015
Nominations to fill board vacancies open 1 - 18 September 2015 For more information visit http://forestvoice.org.nz - FOREST GROWER LEVY TRUST BOARD ELECTION RESULT 2013 November 2013
Audited voting results: Successful candidates Greater than 1,000 ha net stocked area category – weighted forest production votes Philip Taylor Paul Nicholls Bill McCallum David James Balfour Under 1,000 ha… - NZFFA member nominations to Levy Board standing for less than 1000 ha category November 2013
Choose a candidate to view their profile and ask them questions: IAN JACKSON DEAN SATCHELL DOUGAL McINTOSH ROBERT H.M JOHNSTON JOHN H SIMMONS MICHAEL CAMBRIDGE STEVE WILTON - Forest growers to elect first board October 2013
The Forest Growers Levy Trust, the new organisation representing the interests of all plantation forest owners, large and small, is calling for nominations for its first elected board. Chair Geoff… - 86% VOTE SUPPORTS FOREST LEVY April 2013
A referendum of forest growers has shown strong support for a levy on harvested forest products. "We have been given the thumbs-up to introduce a funding system that will provide… - VOTING OPENS IN FOREST REFERENDUM February 2013
Polls in the Forest Voice referendum will be open from 1-29 March, a week longer than originally intended. The organisers, the Forest Growers Levy Trust, say this will make voting… - Forest growers plan industry vote October 2012
Forest growers will decide the future direction and funding of their industry in a referendum being held in March next year. “Forestry has a huge untapped potential. To achieve that…
Guidelines supported by forest growers commodity levy
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Timber Harvesting in New Zealand
Plantation forests occupy about 7% of the NZ land area and forestry and logging employ about 7,000 people directly. About 50,000 ha., or 25 million m3, is harvested each year.… -
Small scale forestry safety guidelines
The following is not a comprehensive guide to health and safety for small-scale forestry. It is an outline introduction to some of the requirements and responsibilities of the current health…
Tree Grower articles supported by forest growers commodity levy
- TreeFarmer to help with woodlot harvest decisions
Graham West, May 2021
TreeFarmer is the latest of a series of levy-funded projects aimed at improving a small-scale forest grower’s woodlot harvesting experience. TreeFarmer does this by raising the grower’s awareness of the problems and decisions they… - A forwarding solution for harvesting small forests
John Schrider and Jack Palmer, May 2021
In the February Tree Grower we reported on a harvesting system using a Valtra agricultural tractor with a log trailer driven by power take-off. The second system evaluated is a harvesting… - Establishing an industry group for New Zealand's small-scale sawmilling sector
Paul Millen and Harriet Palmer, February 2021
A report for the Hawke’s Bay Region published in the Tree Grower in November 2020 led to the idea for an industry association to increase the capability of the small-scale sawmilling… - A forwarding solution for small-scale forest growers
John Schrider & Jack Palmer, February 2021
A project to find some solutions to the challenges of small-scale forest grower harvesting is underway, led by members of the NZFFA. One element of this project is an evaluation of… - Is sex still relevant in 21st century propagation?
Michelle Harnett, November 2020
Detailed genetic data, automation and robotics look to be the future of radiata pine propagation. Does this spell the end for pollen wafting on the open breeze? The first radiata pines… - Growing a new hardwood industry is not just about planting trees
Paul Millen, Clemens Altaner and Harriet Palmer, February 2020
In 2020 the NZ School of Forestry celebrates its 50-year anniversary. The School of Forestry was established in 1970 to educate professional foresters needed to expand and develop New Zealand’s forest sector… - The Dryland Forests Initiative enters a new phase
Paul Millen and Harriet Palmer, November 2019
The NZ Drylands Forest Initiative has released its new strategic plan. Since 2008, they have been working towards the vision of developing sustainable regional hardwood industries based on eucalypts which produce highly durable… - Getting more out of your radiata pine woodlot Mid-rotation fertiliser use
Graham Coker and Harriet Palmer, November 2019
Owners of small forests who grow radiata pine stand to benefit from levy-funded research into tree nutrient balances and the cost-effectiveness of applying fertiliser at different times throughout a rotation. The research… - Forestry training and careers update
Alan Reid, August 2019
A year ago we noted in a Tree Grower article that there was a renewed focus on forestry training and careers, along with the re-emerging direct government support for forestry.… - Pigeon Valley fire New methods put to the test
Grant Pearce and Harriet Palmer, August 2019
The February Pigeon Valley fire near Nelson was New Zealand’s largest forest fire in more than 60 years. The fire burned over 2,300 hectares and caused the evacuation of more… - How can I make my forest more productive and what does the latest research say?
Michelle Harnett, August 2019
Research. Some think it is essential, others think of it as a time-consuming, cash-devouring black hole. The people who have been working on the research programme Growing Confidence in Forestry’s… - Results of survey for small-scale forest harvesting
Graham West, August 2019
This project was aimed at improving the knowledge and investment experience of small-scale forest owners during the harvesting phase. The research used input from farm foresters and harvesting management consultants over… - Good news for eucalypt growers - The approved release of Paropsis charybdis bio-control agent
Toni Withers and Michelle Harnett, May 2019
The approval to release the parasitoid wasp Eadya daenerys to control eucalyptus tortoise beetle Paropsis charybdis by New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority is the culmination of work that started at Scion in the… - Major Specialty Wood Products partners lead the way
Harriet Palmer and Peter Berg, May 2019
The Specialty Wood Products Research Partnership is a government and industry partnership which aims to develop high-value markets for timber from alternative, or specialty, species. The partners include several major large-scale… - A new phase of science innovation
Russell Dale and Harriet Palmer, May 2019
Contributing to a low-carbon future for New Zealand, boosting forest productivity and health, reducing environmental impacts and improving worker skills and safety, are all behind a new science innovation strategy… - Forest growers research conference 2018
Julian Bateson, February 2019
In October last year the regular conference on the research projects funded by the Forest Growers Levy was held in Tauranga. The registration list showed over 120 attendees had registered… - Controlling and predicting red needle cast
Harriet Palmer, February 2019
Red needle cast is now a widespread needle disease of radiata pine, most evident in northern New Zealand. It is caused by a fungal-like organism, Phytophora pluvialis. Growth losses of up… - New automatic coupler will cut harvesting costs for owners of small forests
Keith Raymond and Harriet Palmer, February 2019
A new harvesting tool – the automatic quick coupler – is almost ready for commercial use. It has been developed as part of the Steepland Harvesting Programme, and is particularly… - Track record of forest levy - in good stead for the vote
Don Carson, February 2019
The Forest Growers Levy Trust was pleased at the support for the levy at a series of regional meetings held in late October and November last year. A total of… - The Small and Medium Enterprise Committee
Neil Cullen, November 2018
This article is about one of the joint committees funded by the forest grower’s levy. The article is part of the series in the Tree Grower outlining some of the… - Trichoderma research shows great promise
Helen Whelan and Harriet Palmer, November 2018
Trichoderma are naturally occurring fungi which attach to and enter plant roots. Some Trichoderma can improve tree growth rates and disease resistance in nurseries and the forest, and have the… - Testing the strength of Douglas-fir cross-laminated timber
Minghao Li and Harriet Palmer, November 2018
Douglas fir is New Zealand’s second most popular plantation species with a total current planted area of around 104,000 hectares. Renowned as a structural timber, Douglas fir has been generally overlooked… - The levy on harvested wood after five years
Geoff Thompson, August 2018
Forestry is in the spotlight now but for a long time was an industry taken for granted and largely banished from bureaucratic interest. During that time there was a grumbling… - New technology for targeted pest detection and control
Tara Strand and Harriet Palmer, August 2018
Most small-scale forest owners spend a good deal of time keeping their fingers crossed that their trees will survive to harvest age. While crossing fingers is about all that can… - New radiata pine calculator
Harriet Palmer, August 2018
Farm foresters can now test out different management options for existing or planned radiata pine plantations with a new on-line calculator – the Forecaster Radiata Pine Calculator. This is a… - Levy funded Forestry Training and Careers Committee
Alan Reid, May 2018
In bygone times colourful posters on lamp posts and walls, featuring bronzed sailors and exotic seascapes, exhorted young people to join the navy and see the world. Nothing has changed… - Radiata pine for the next generation
Michael Watt and Harriet Palmer, February 2018
Finally, payday is approaching for many forest owners, as woodlots and forests planted in the 1990s reach harvest age. For growers planning to replant with radiata pine, and any new planters,… - Logging day demonstration
Julian Bateson, February 2018
On the last day of the conference was an extra field visit to Greenock Forest. This was a demonstration day about harvesting research work funded predominantly by the levy. Woody… - The levy-funded Forest Resources and Environment Committee
Don Wallace, November 2017
The Forest Resources and Environment Committee, commonly known as the Environment Committee, is one of several joint NZFFA/NZFOA committees funded by the Forest Growers Levy. It is chaired by Peter… - Soils underpin the future of our forests
Simeon Smaill and Michelle Harnett, August 2017
Soil forms the foundation which supports the forestry industry. Managing the mix of minerals, microbes, moisture and organic matter which make up soil to get the greatest tree growth while… - Update on recent biosecurity problems
Peter Berg, August 2017
Eucalyptus variegated beetle and myrtle rust On 8 March 2016 a eucalyptus foraging beetle new to New Zealand was collected by SPS Biosecurity as part of the forest owner’s levy… - Improving small plantation and woodlot inventory using remote sensing - how you can help
Jonathan Dash and Michael Watt, May 2017
Small plantations and woodlots comprise around 36 per cent of the total New Zealand plantation estate. Growers of these woodlots include an estimated 14,000 small-scale and medium-scale forest owners and… - Eyes in the Sky
Michelle Harnett and Jonathan Dash, May 2017
Lit up like a Christmas tree is a good description of a laser-generated image of a forest. Stunning images aside, research in New Zealand and overseas is showing that the… - The Forest Industry Safety Council report
Allan Laurie, February 2017
The work of the Forestry Industry Safety Council (FISC) continues to gain momentum under the Chairmanship of Dame Alison Paterson and the management of National Safety Director, Fiona Ewing. I… - Levy funded research conference
Julian Bateson, February 2017
In mid-October last year, the Forest Growers Research Conference was held in Napier. It was a two-day event with the first day devoted to talks and presentations and a field trip… - Helping owners of small-scale forests know more about the forest growers' levy
Glenn Tims and Bruce Bulloch, February 2017
In this page: Roadshows begin Portrait of forest growers' levy information session The NZFFA receives some funding from the Forest Growers Levy Trust to communicate with all small- scale forest… - Timber Harvesting in New Zealand
Rien Visser, NZ School of Forestry, Reports
Plantation forests occupy about 7% of the NZ land area and forestry and logging employ about 7,000 people directly. About 50,000 ha., or 25 million m3, is harvested each year.… - Forest biosecurity surveillance What does GIA mean for the little guys?
Bill Dyck, August 2016
Commercial plantation forestry has entered a new era with a Government Industry Agreement on biosecurity incursions. The NZ Forest Owners Association was the formal signatory for the forestry industry when… - The Forest Industry Safety Council What is it up to?
Ian Jackson, May 2016
On March 16 at the Forestwood conference in Auckland, on behalf of NZFFA, I signed the charter for the Forest Industry Safety Council. This was signed on behalf of the… - Scion Rural Fire Research Group – Understanding extreme fire behaviour
Richard Parker, Veronica Clifford, Tara Strand, Grant Pearce & Lisa Langer, May 2016
The Scion Rural Fire Research Group is New Zealand’s only provider of specialist fire research expertise in forest and rural landscapes.We develop science and technology to protect life and property,… - Special purpose timbers research project
Peter Berg, February 2016
Scion’s diverse species programme came to an end a year or so ago. At this time a number of people in the forest growing community became concerned that initiatives in… - Road shows about the forest grower levy
Hamish Levack, February 2016
The forest grower levy was established at the beginning of 2014 and has had a significant effect. Before the levy was introduced the few large corporate forest owners contributed voluntarily… - Levy funded Transportation Committee
John Robinson, November 2015
The Transportation Committee has a work programme to complete on behalf of the wider levy paying community. This programme aims to represent the interests of all forest growers in matters… - Douglas fir and Swiss needle cast
Patrick Milne, May 2015
Douglas fir, with upwards of 110,000 hectares planted, is New Zealand’s second most commonly planted forest tree. Often referred to as Oregon pine, it is now mostly planted on higher altitude… - Forest research in the levy environment
Patrick Milne, May 2015
The forest commodity levy of 27 cents a tonne of harvested wood has been collected since the beginning of 2014. In the first year approximately three million dollars or half… - The forest growers’ levy and how it is working
Geoff Thompson, May 2014
For those of us harvesting since the beginning of January there is a new line item in the reporting invoice. A levy of 27 cents a tonne is deducted from… - Management of forest growing research and development - The levy at work
Russell Dale, August 2014
With the introduction of a compulsory forest growing levy in January 2014, much of the industry-good research which was previously funded by voluntary contributions from industry members is now funded… - Forest biosecurity committee
Bill Dyck, November 2014
With over 1,000 pests and pathogens worldwide which can attack radiata pine, and thousands more that can affect other New Zealand plantation species, it is critical that the forestry sector… - Standing up for the small-scale grower
Roger May, February 2013
Since the mid-1980s when the government sold most of the taxpayer-owned forest plantations and placed most of Crown-owned indigenous forest into the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand forest industry… - Forest growers’ proposed commodity levy
Ian Jackson, November 2012
A proposal to introduce a compulsory commodity levy on logs and other forest products at the time of harvest is expected to be voted on by forest growers during March…
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