Research vital for forestry industry

There is an essential need for focused research in support of the forestry industry which engages over 22,000 persons including 11,000 farmers, Minister Joe Walsh said yesterday.

The minister said the programme of research carried out in 2003 is of particular interest to wood producers and environmental and business interests in the forestry sector.

He said the cost of the programme in 2003 was €1.7 million and the number of industrial partners in the programme was increased specifically in the area of wood products and processes where strong input from the commercial sector is vital.