– greater emphasis placed on value added products
As the agriculture sector continues to diversify to include non-traditional crops and focus on aquaculture, significant emphasis is being placed on enhancing the capacity of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the resources for which it is responsible.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who is also performing the duties of Prime Minister, accompanied by GFC officials, Friday participated in a press briefing to highlight developments, changes and adjustments in the forestry sector. The briefing was held in GFC’s Lower Conference Room, Water Street.

The objective was to highlight ongoing initiatives to make the sector more competitive and responsive within the framework of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Minister Persaud noted that the Commission recorded great strides during 2009, producing a record increase in exported value-added timber extracts and wood products.

“This is as a result of the commission looking at more holistic ways in the role and rich contribution that the forest plays in not only national development, but also in the context of climate change.”

Forests provide environmental services to the Commission to meet new and emerging responsibilities which also have given rise to the Forestry Bill that was passed in the National Assembly, focusing specifically on promoting forest conservation.

The Bill seeks to provide for sustainable management of the forest sector, while at the same time ensuring preservation of the nation’s forest.

The National Resources Sub-committee will also be presenting to the National Assembly its functions and activities and clarify speculations relating to interventions taking place in the national and international settlements with links to Guyana’s forest.

Production
Minister Persaud said that the Commission has recorded a decrease of 3.3 percent in log production for 2009, which amounted to 266,198 cubic meters, compared to 275,319 cubic meters in 2008.

“Our policy in terms of value-added and the national log export policy is already showing positive result. Importantly, log export decreased by as much as 33 percent; and; as you know; the policy channels out primary production in areas where there are local value added; and the fact that there was a decline in log exports; tells us that the policy is working,” the Minister said.

With regard to lumber production, 2009 showed an increase in production at 73,118 cubic meters, compared to 66,968 for 2008; a 9.2 percent increase.

Log and plywood production at the end of 2009, fell below 2008 by 3.31 percent and 8.5 percent respectively; however there was a reasonable increase in the other products, including sawn wood, round wood, and split wood, by 44.28 percent.

Minister Persaud noted that the continued increase in the production of round wood occurred primarily from larger volumes of wallaba poles which were being extracted for use by utility companies.

Marketing
The Forest Products Marketing and Development Council, since its inception in 2009, has embarked on a number of activities which included the compilation of a 2009/2010 strategic plan work plan which highlights value-added production, effective use of “Lesser Used Species”, linkage to Amerindian communities ,and outreach visits to observe the operation of stakeholders.

Referring to the use of outreaches to communities, the Agriculture Minister noted that the interactive sessions are aimed at removing impediments to improve production in the sector. Some of the pertinent issues raised are kiln drying, getting produce out to market and consistent markets for produce.

The Council is also on a drive to encourage marketing and promotion of comparable properties of Lesser Used Species (LUS) to other commercialised species in Guyana; exposing stakeholders to information on the significant benefits to be derived from utilising kiln-drying facilities, and manufacturing more value-added products of lumber. (GINA)