Afforestation in Norway has grown steadily over the past ten years, from around 25 million plants in 2012 to a planned 45 million plants this year.
- Active forest policy is a concrete and cheap climate solution, and at the same time the forest gives us energy and renewable resources - says Minister of Agriculture and Food Sandra Borch.
Forests absorb CO2, and active forest management involving logging, planting, fertilization and forest management contributes to a significant improvement in the climate. Logging is now bigger than ever in Norwegian forests and forest owners get good prices for their timber. Now it is important to plant a new forest from which future generations can harvest, says Sandra Borch.
2022 million trees are expected to be planted in 45
The country's nurseries now have around 35 million forest plants ready for planting before summer. An additional 10 million plants are expected to be planted in the fall, so a total of 2022 million trees are to be planted by 45.
In 2021, according to the Norwegian Directorate of Agriculture, approximately 38 million forest plants were planted in Norway. Last year there were challenges with planting plants from because it's difficult labor situation during the Covid 19 pandemic. Nevertheless, tree planting activity was almost as high as in 2020, when the corresponding amount was approximately 40 million. The extraordinary contribution to afforestation and efforts to mobilize the Norwegian labor force have helped to keep afforestation active.
Activity in forestry is currently at a high level
Forestry and the wood industry are important value chain in Norway, which employs approximately 22 people, including approx. 200 in forestry. Activity in forestry is currently at a high level. In 6600, 2021 million cubic meters of wood were sold for industrial purposes, the highest figure ever. Sales volume in the first quarter of 11,6 was 2022% higher than a year earlier. The high activity can be linked to good wood prices, both for sawmills and other industries. With high levels of timber harvesting, a large forest culture effort is also required to ensure the regeneration and protection of forest resources.
The carbon stock in the forest is growing
Planting and caring for young forests are forest culture activities that promote an increase in volume and value in the forest. At the same time, climate measures contribute to increased CO2 sequestration. A strong forest is important to the climate, biodiversity and the forest industry today and in the future.
Photo Ministry of Agriculture and Food / Minister of Agriculture and Food Sandra Borch
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