Farm Forestry New Zealand

Special purpose timbers research project

Peter Berg, New Zealand Tree Grower February 2016.

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Within the research community the work had once been championed by scientists such as the late Leith Knowles and Ian Nicholas. Without them present to keep in mind the opportunities that special purpose timbers can provide, it is easy for the focus to change. Fortunately there were a number of related projects quietly carrying on such as the NZ Drylands Initiative under the direction of Paul Millen. Others have been proceeding, with durable eucalypt species as a future source of posts and other roundwood material targeted. Scion has continued investigating the genomics of some key species. However, it was the recognition by other corporate foresters that there is a good case for planting a wider mix of species, especially those whose properties have special advantages such as durability, strength, hardness, colour, workability and pulp properties, which helped pick up from the work previously undertaken.

It resulted in a brief for a new research programme to follow and take us forward from the earlier diverse species work. In particular, their willingness to agree to fund a significant programme for a number of years has meant it is possible to develop a project which, in terms of its breadth and scale, can provide meaningful results.

Markets, products and processes

Not surprisingly a good part of the focus is on markets, wood products and processes. Because we have been planting species such as cypress and eucalypts for many years there is already a substantial, but quite varied resource around the country. Some companies have kept their focus on only one or two species and already have good quantities available if processing opportunities can be further developed.

Early discussion determined that there should be just three broad guiding elements to the programme −

• Add value to the existing and maturing resource of an estimated 142,000 hectares of eucalypts, Douglas- fir and cypress around the country, of which about two thirds is Douglas-fir
• Create a change in quality of new plantings for future high value products which is part of the drylands project, although the potential is clearly much wider than that
• Generate scale by clustering the right group of species for each locality. In many parts of the country more than 20 species of eucalypt can be quickly identified, but few if any are on any sort of scale.

Overall, the emphasis is on generating higher returns from the right group of species in each locality and realising some of the economic benefit such activity can generate.The programme has identified some major problems and challenges of which most of those already growing special purpose timbers broadly appreciate. However, the way we build them into a well structured work programme may be less obvious –

• Breeding to ensure superior wood properties
• Overcoming health and biosecurity problems
• Site specificity of high value species
• Addressing growth strain in eucalypts in the current and future resource
• Sawmilling and processing innovation to optimise product range
• Existing resources located across multiple regions
• Establishing sufficient scale of new plantings, clustered around existing processing centres.

This list will undoubtedly grow as an early objective of the programme is to get some quick answers and that will certainly identify even more issues.

$2 million a year

The needs of markets and their opportunities are a big part of the programme with matters such as those listed below all in the early mix −

• Class 1 and Class 2 naturally durable coloured hardwoods for all uses
• Class 1 to Class 3 naturally durable coloured softwood
• High stiffness engineered wood products, such as LVL to complement and add value to current pine products
• High value indoor and outdoor furniture
• Interior joinery, panelling and flooring
• MGP 10 and greater structural timber
• Some naturally produced fine chemicals.

Getting this project underway has taken a lot of effort. A commitment of funds by a number of the major forest owners, the Forest Grower Levy Trust and the NZFFA means a seven year project has been able to be taken to the government for their support. The government in their last budget confirmed matching funding − a total of $710,000 a year by both groups – while Scion have added $550,000 of core funding each year. This comes to almost $2 million a year, enough to get a comprehensive programme rolling.

Working together

Scion, the University of Canterbury School of Forestry and the NZ Drylands Initiative are the work providers. They intend to work cooperatively to ensure they use the best available resources, irrespective of where they are. The science is looking at the value chain with intervention where potential benefits are greatest. Site matching and durability might be a couple of the benefits which smaller forest growers can immediately align with.

The project is contracted via Future Forests Research to take advantage of an existing forest industry entity and is overseen by a steering group which is representative of the investors, including the NZFFA.

A technical group advises the project and a small but very competent science advisory committee has also been established to review and advise the project on international developments and best practice.

As noted at the outset, farm foresters have in the past provided much of the leadership and ownership of projects with respect to special purpose timbers and continue to have a strong interest in a well-constructed programme of work. It is therefore heartening to be able to report that in this case, branches have again stepped up with support and funding for this project at a level which is just not possible for the National Executive, acknowledging that it will be of great benefit to many of our members.

Peter Berg is a member of the NZFFA Executive − his position as chair of the Project Steering Group is in an independent capacity.