The move to using more locally produced products is catching on nearly everywhere these days. Interest has been generated by increasing transportation costs and concerns about the quality and safety of products made far from our shores.
While agricultural products have had the highest profile, the non-timber forest products (NTFP) sector is also benefitting from the “Buy-Local” movement. However, many consumers remain unaware of the range and quality of NTFPs produced in this region. In order to correct this situation, the PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is teaming with partners from across Atlantic Canada and Maine to create the region’s first non-timber forest products directory.
Entitled “From Our Atlantic Woods,” the directory will feature local businesses who work with a diverse range of forest-based products. Some examples include edible wild mushrooms, maple syrup products, bentwood furniture, decorative forest products, wild berry foods and drinks, essential oils, guided bird-watching tours, specialty wood products and much more.
Non-timber forest products add another dimension to the economic and social benefits people derive from P.E.I.’s forests. The goal of the directory is to raise the profile of the NTFP sector and encourage the development of vibrant, diverse and sustainable non-timber forest products industries across the Atlantic region.
While information varies by province and state, it is estimated that NTFPs generate more than $100 million annually to land owners and entrepreneurs across the region. “Given the specialized nature and generally low volume of most commercial NTFP businesses, it can be hard to get exact information on what is being used or in fact who is using it,” says Sid Watts, Market Development Officer with the PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. “The idea for the ‘From Our Atlantic Woods’ directory was born from the need to identify and promote businesses that sell locally produced, natural goods from the forest.”
Along with being a tool to promote non-timber forest products, the directory will also help harvesters and producers to connect with each other. For example, over the years, Island wood turners have had difficulty accessing burls to manufacture beautiful bowls. By listing their businesses in the directory, local land owners or harvest contractors who find burls on their logs could contact the wood turner and sell a new line of high value products. Hopefully, these new linkages will lead to more novel products and business opportunities.
The directory will also include photos, recipes, information on historic and modern uses, harvesting guides and more information pertaining to many different NTFPs. It is being developed with a support from a wide range of organizations and sponsors including Sobey’s, the PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry and the Canadian Forest Service.
Island businesses and associations who produce NTFPs can register, free-of-charge, for inclusion in the directory by contacting Sid Watts at sawatts@gov.pe.ca or by calling 902 838 0623. The working group intends to release the directory in the spring of 2009. It will be available online and in print and will be distributed at farmers’ markets, tourism booths, craft fairs, participating businesses and other venues across the region.