More Information
Dream merchants: why forestry practices will change.
Authors: J. WalkerPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2000, Issue N.Z.J.For. 45(3) 2000, pp 27-33, Nov 2000
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: Plantations are overcapitalised and need creative solutions to break the mould with their heritage as an industrial commodity. Globalisation has and will continue to drive production costs lower. Two examples are considered where new technologies in communications and logistics (the Invader system and acoustics) allow for superior log differentiation to tailor wood supply to more specific market requirements and, it is argued, reduce the rotation age further. Biotechnology offers the greatest prospects in the medium term.