Developing Non-Timber Forest Resources: Sustainable Resource Development through Innovative Planning – A Multi-Faceted Initiative
The objective of this Incorporation is to create, develop, and grow a stronger Non-Timber Forest Natural Resource industry in Atlantic Canada which would facilitate a linked branch to various international, national, provincial, and inter-provincial pre-existing forest land certification bodies, research and management organizations, institutions, urban community and industry. This type of work would lead to Nova Scotia and the surrounding region growing into a leader in the province in the field of diversified hardwood forestry management and further open possibilities and benefits derived from research and activity in world-class Sustainable Resource Management.
The Company’s expansive purpose would encompass the following key aspects:
1) Establish significant long-term partnerships with related organizations sharing similar development missions and build a base from which to operate and establish a network that can work with others internationally.
2) Facilitate the establishment of a profitable commercial combination Maple & Birch Sap / Syrup and Value- Added product Manufacturing Plant located in Glendale, Nova Scotia. The marketing focus would be domestic and international.
3) Provide an additional industry to the region, of a completely variant nature, reflecting high-level diversification in Unama’ki with the establishment of a Birch Sap Production Training Facility and Education Learning Center K-20, Community College, and Multi-University -Natural Science Forest Field Station.
4) Focus factors: Research, Field Management, Food Process Manufacturing Plant, and Value – Added production facility inclusive of spin-off products such as: Condiments, Confections, Sap Drinks, Beauty Products – products for Tourism trade marketplace.
5) Manufacture products of International demand as produced from the Forest Land in and around Glendale, Unama’ki-CapeBreton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
5) National Natural Forest Brand Development leading to additional International Export of Nova Scotia Manufactured Products.
6) R & D for Nutraceutical value of sap from native trees of Nova Scotia.
7) Expansion of various other species of native tree sap collection with multiple manufacturing applications associated with tree saps, barks, leaves, needles, and other tree related substances.
1. Specialized Demonstration Site for Agroforestry Research & Development
Agroforestry is a globally recommended (http://www.worldagroforestry.org/cop22; FAO, 2013) land-use system.
Dr. Naresh Thevathasan, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada Associate Professor of Agroforestry Research and Development, presented to the House of Commons standing committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food December 2017.
This is an excerpt of the presentation highlighting the overall research findings and challenges and opportunities related to Canada. The presentation can be heard on the House of Commons website.
Overall research findings:
Irrespective of the type, all agroforestry land-use systems can contribute towards climate change mitigation and adaptation while providing ecosystem services such as soil conservation, soil erosion control, biodiversity enhancement, and water quality maintenance. These systems can also show resilience to climate change through micro-climatic modifications (soil moisture retention, low soil temperature, less evapotranspiration rates) that are often seen in the tree-crop interface. Agroforestry systems are not a choice of environment or economics, as they enhance both. Agroforestry systems are not a choice of food or wood fiber. If properly integrated into agricultural systems, they provide both. Therefore, I have listed some of the major outcomes, both economic and environmental, that can be derived by adopting these land-use systems in Canadian agricultural landscapes:
- Enhanced system-level carbon sequestration; 200 to 300% (Soil).
- Better utilization of soil nutrients via nutrient cycling mechanisms results in less residual in-organic soil nitrogen, which is a precursor for nitrous oxide emissions (Air).
- Nutrient leaching reduction contributes towards maintaining water quality. It has been shown that up to a 50% reduction of nitrate-N leaching in tree-based intercropping systems can be achieved (Dougherty, 2009) (Water).
- Enhanced biodiversity; plants, micro and macrofaunal diversity, bird diversity – this contributes to climate change adaptation and also enhances resilience to climate change. (Biodiversity)
- Creation of climate-smart and resilient land-use systems, thereby increasing economic returns to the farming communities across Canada. (Economic growth)
Globally, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in the recent COP22 conference held in Morocco in November 2016, highly recommended agroforestry land-use systems to be adopted in developing countries to promote climate-smart agricultural systems while contributing to climate mitigation efforts by sequestering carbon in trees and in soils. The same sentiment has also been expressed in a FAO policy paper (2013).
Challenges and Opportunities for Canada:
- Canada has no specific and targeted policy in place for agroforestry land-use systems. As such Agroforestry adoption rates in Canada irrespective of the government’s commitment to research in temperate agroforestry, are very low. Whereas, in the US, there is a targeted policy put in place by the USDA – “Agroforestry Strategic Framework; Enriching our lives with trees that work”.
- As I speak, field shelterbelts/windbreaks are being removed in the prairies. Field windbreaks have become a farm operational issue and in some cases, trees in the windbreak are also dying. This trend needs to be addressed with urgency.
- Similarly, in Ontario, windbreaks and riparian buffers are being removed to create additional agricultural land areas. This is more prevalent in the southwestern part of Ontario (Essex and Kent counties).
- There is a lack of riparian plantings along agricultural streams across Canada, especially in Eastern Canada where heavy non-point sources of pollutants and soils are entering water bodies.
- Non-agricultural lands are currently either pastured or abandoned; tree integration should be considered to create additional terrestrial carbon sinks. Ample land areas are available to execute this.
- Niche markets need to be nurtured for Canadian-produced agroforestry value-added products such as nuts, fruits, syrup, mushrooms, and non-timber forest products.
- Tree-based farming systems are historically familiar to many First Nations communities. Therefore, a concerted effort should be taken to initiate dialogue with them in to re-introduce agroforestry land-use systems in First Nations lands to bring about food and income security for them.
- The introduction of silvopastoral systems in the developing agricultural lands of the clay belt regions of Ontario and Quebec (about 29 million acres) should be given urgency to enhance terrestrial carbon sequestration.
Recommendations:
- A Canadian agroforestry strategic framework policy is required. This should be led by the federal government in consultation with researchers across Canada, federal and provincial government officials, First Nations communities, conservation authorities / agencies, and landowners. This document is required to provide strategic guidance for the science, adoption, and integration of agroforestry practice into agricultural landscapes.
- Federal leadership in Agroforestry is required, such as that provided by the former AAFC’s Agroforestry Development Centre at Indian Head, Saskatchewan.
- Programs that promote the integration of trees into agricultural landscapes are needed if Canadians wish to economically and environmentally benefit. Referencing the agroforestry knowledge continuum; discover, develop, determine, demonstrate and direct, Canadian agroforestry researchers have fulfilled the first 3 stages of the knowledge continuum but Canada-wide adoption will only materialize if the Government of Canada (and the provincial governments) introduce and execute agroforestry-friendly policies and incentives. This will facilitate the last two stages of the knowledge continuum, demonstrate and direct agroforestry land-use systems in Canada, thereby contributing directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation and the maintenance of ecosystem services across Canadian agricultural landscapes.
- Appropriate agroforestry education, research, training, and knowledge transfer(extension) protocols/activities should be developed to promote sustainable agroforestry systems in Canada.
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated Positions as Industry Partner
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated desires to align itself with the research findings of the University of Guelph as presented by Dr. Naresh Thevathasan in the excerpt of his presentation to the House of Commons. We invite interested business, and Government leaders to contact us as willing industry partners to understand how we may be collaborative with resources and the Forest field station to work to help achieve recommendations outcomes.
The Agroforestry Strategic Framework to 2024 USA.
Facts about the Boreal Forest
The Boreal Forest is Earth’s largest Biome on land. The Taiga Biome, also known as the Boreal Forest or Snow Forest, is a vast terrestrial ecosystem that spans the northern regions of North America, Europe, Asia, Canada, China, Finland, Japan, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the USA.
The Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement was signed in 2010 by twenty-one forestry companies, represented by the Forest Products Association of Canada, and nine leading environmental organizations including The Nature Conservancy and the Canadian Boreal Initiative. Since that time, The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) is no longer operational. CBI’s important work to conserve and sustainably manage North America’s boreal region is being carried forward by the International Boreal Conservation Campaign (IBCC), a coalition of Indigenous peoples, conservationists, scientists, business and civic leaders with a shared vision of protecting and sustaining the natural, cultural and economic values of the boreal region for the benefit of future generations.
IBCC was initiated by The Pew Charitable Trusts and operates as a partnership of Pew, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Incorporated, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Boreal Songbird Initiative, and the Boreal Leadership Council.
Non-Timber Forest Products: Growing and Gathering Forest Benefits
The intricate relationships between the Canadian wilderness and its non-timber treasures, from medicinal herbs to delectable edibles, artisanal creations, and aromatic essences, are unfolded in the Forest as a rich tapestry waiting to be unveiled. The ultimate respect for the Forest, a place of provision -must be always practiced – meeting needed requirements and allowing and honoring the process of replenishment.
Harvesting includes wild-crafting, gathering, collecting, and foraging.
Purposes include household subsistence, maintenance of cultural and familial traditions, spiritual fulfillment, physical and emotional well-being, house heating and cooking, animal feeding, indigenous and nonindigenous medicine and healing, scientific learning, and income.
There are a wide variety of NTFPs including mushrooms, huckleberries, ferns, transplants, seed cones, pine nuts, tree nuts, moss, maple syrup, cork, cinnamon, rubber, tree oils and resins, ginseng, floral greens, decoratives, medicinal plants, foods, flavors and fragrances, fibers, and saps, diverse canopy producing seeds, saps, nuts and berries, fruiting vines, and wildcraft fruits, flowering natives, herbs, living soil biomes, ramp vegetable plants, medicinal roots, wild and managed game, fish, and insects.
Many of these serve as raw materials for industries ranging from large-scale floral greens suppliers and pharmaceutical companies to microenterprises centered upon a wide variety of activities (such as basket-making, woodcarving, and the harvest and processing of various medicinal plants), jams, jellies, sauces, desserts and more!
More than 28,000 plant species are currently recorded as being of medicinal use and many of them are found in forest ecosystems. Visits to forest environments can have positive impacts on human physical and mental health and many people have a deep spiritual relationship to forests.
Research on NTFPs has focused on multiple perspectives:
NTFPs as a commodity with a focus on rural incomes and markets, as an expression of traditional knowledge or as a livelihood option for rural household needs, and finally, as a key component of sustainable forest management and conservation strategies. These perspectives promote forest products as valuable commodities and important tools that can promote the conservation of forests. In some contexts, the gathering and use of NTFPs can be a mechanism for poverty alleviation and local development.
Source: “Glossary of Forestry Terms in British Columbia” (PDF). Ministry of Forests and Range (Canada). March 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-timber_forest_product
Research: Integrating Non-Timber Forest Products into Sustainable Forest Planning
The province of British Columbia, Canada has worked extensively with research on the topic of Non-Timber Forest Products.
One particular study, commissioned in 2004 brought forward some key recommendations which remain relevant to this date.
A special report was commissioned for the Forest Practices Board of British Columbia, Canada in 2004 by the former Centre for Non-Timber Resources at Royal Roads University (CNTR), Darcy A. Mitchell, Ph.D., former Director.
The Forest Practices Board recognized the complexity of the subject matter of this report and the wide range of concerns and interests that required more in-depth analysis, discussion, and resolution. It acknowledged that a report of this nature could not represent the full range of perspectives on this important forest resource.
A statement may be accurate that the research surrounding Non-Timber Forest Products has generally been more in-depth in western Canada as compared to eastern Canada prior to and since 2004. However, the recommendations from this report to British Columbia are interesting both in 2004 when the report was completed and in many aspects today – as similar needs are evident in Eastern Canada.
The following were recommendations from the report. While it is understood that many conditions in western Canada are not the same as in eastern Canada, perhaps the Atlantic region of Canada could benefit from exploring these recommendations and their validity in 2024 to eastern Canada.
Excerpt from the Report: Integrating Non-Timber Forests Products into Forest Planning and Practices in British Columbia – Special Report May 2004.
Recommendations
The Forest Practices Board recognizes that a great deal of research and policy consideration has already been done with respect to NTFPs. NTFP management is not a simple issue. However, it does represent a significant economic potential for BC and the issues cannot be left unaddressed in the long term. The Board’s role is to promote and encourage sound management and stewardship of all of BC’s forest resources, timber and non-timber, and therefore it makes the following recommendations:
1. Government should conduct the research necessary to quantify the current economic contribution of the NTFP sector to the province and its contribution to the economic diversification of rural communities. Government should also continue to support and undertake research to develop knowledge about compatible management of timber and NTFP resources, and sustainable management of NTFPs.
2. Government should further explore the options for regulating the NTFP industry in light of:
· its importance for income and employment.
· the need for sustainable management of the NTFP resource; and
· its cultural and economic importance to First Nations.
3. Government should establish objectives for NTFPs under the Land Act, through sustainable resource management plans, to guide forest planning and practices where NTFPs are an important local resource for economic and/or traditional uses.
4. Government, the forest industry and professional associations should promote awareness amongst foresters and other resource management professionals, as well as the NTFP sector and First Nations, about the opportunities and challenges of integrating the sustainable management of timber with NTFPs.
Source: SR19 Integrating Non-Timber Forest Products
https://www.bcfpb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SR19-Intergrating-Non-Timber-Forest-Products.pdf
There is an art of balance in harvesting what is needed from the Forest – and this varies with a global perspective. As a whole, the Forest is a tapestry of life – with interdependencies not fully understood nor unveiled in either traditional or nontraditional ways. The Forest is a provision to mankind – one that is to be respected and appreciated. It is a Teacher.
Forests and people have lived together for millennia – a relationship that inspires cultural, tradition and spiritual connectivity. The diverse ecosystems within the Forest are very important for people: offering benefits from timber to non-timber products while sustaining life and livelihoods globally. There is a hidden bounty of Non-Timber Forest treasures from medicinal marvels of healing from the wilderness to culinary delights from the Forest floor and trees. The Forest is also a natural supply workshop for artisanal creations and a provider of a scented symphony of aromatic riches. The Forest Wilderness offers a bounty of natural dyes and pigments, fibers for weaving, a diversity of saps – such as maple and birch and also resins and gums. Nature’s Forests provide adhesives and medicines. The forest has a wealth of fungi that have been said to be amazing attributes destined to help save the world. There is a multitude of wildlife and other living organisms within the world of the Forest that thrive in complex ecosystems within a Forest environment from beneath the soil and streams, to within the tree canopies.
Non-Timber Forest Harvester’s Training by Specialists is important to rural community Forest Stewards. Products generated by harvest or production can produce sales to rural community members earning modest incomes that are important.
In addition to the training surrounding the production and gathering of Forest Foods, other valuable training opportunites exist that are situated in a Forest environment.
If your group or organization specializes in training such as Survival, Search & Rescue, Canine Rescue Training, Orienteering, or other Forest Related subjects and you think a collaboration could enhance your programs Contact us.
Image Source: Nico Benedickt
Do you have an interest in applied Research & Development for Non-Timber Forest products leading to rural community sustainability? International Research Teaching Forests is forming collaborative relations with those with expertise and interest in Non-Timber Forest products and related applied Research & Development. Our goal is to launch multiple innovative initiatives surrounding sustainable communities and forests to help grow rural communities and local employment opportunities.
For current Teaching Forest Research click here
For current Forest Educational Tool R&D project click here.
Non-timber forest products are foods, medicines, and materials of plant and animal origin. The product list varies but generally includes mushrooms, berries, floral greens, medicinal herbs, craft materials, and landscaping products among others.
Items are harvested for use in essential oils, for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, and decorative items.
Are you a Non-Timber Forest Researcher interested in building on your research or starting a new project?
We would like to communicate with you! Click here
Other benefits of Training and exposure to a Non-Timber Forest demonstration site include increased pride and self-sufficiency, re-connection with the land and community, rediscovery of traditions, and skills development. Children and adults can benefit from learning about the Forest. Spending time in a forest has been proven through research and life experience to be beneficial to people.
With land connectivity comes the Forest’s value to provide a place for Spiritual connectivity. Churches, church groups, and those interested in spiritual retreats are welcome to explore the potential planning for an outdoor Forest retreat.
Could your group or association benefit from the use of a Teaching Forest? Contact us with your thoughts.
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated’s Canadian mission is bringing safe, “Accessible Forest Learning For All “ TM by planting the seed to position as Nova Scotia’s leading private sector partner to the world operating a Research Field Station in an Accessible Forest. For innovative, collaborative, research & development in agroforestry and value-added forest products, edu- eco-tourism, and well-being, the Glendale Forest Field station is an adventure-based partner.
This work is being achieved through offering an “Accessible Living Classroom” for demonstrative Applied Research and Educational Mentorship’. The sharp focus is community environmental, social, and economic viability, sustainability, profitability, and innovation.
A complementary blend of traditional and non-traditional ways of interacting with the Forest is to be featured through simulation and in-forest formats.
We are reaching out to discover opportunities for Applied Research & Development to discover innovative benefits from the Forest!
We believe that new and innovative forest products can contribute to rural sustainability. These products can be developed through partnerships – local, national, and international. Great things can be achieved by combining local interests with the international lens of global partnerships. Together we can create mentorship potential while gathering a diverse range of experiences to build knowledge and collaborative cooperation.
Through partnerships, we reduce redundancies and promote creative innovation. We look greatly forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on how we may collaborate to strengthen rural community sustainability through Forest benefits!
If you are part of a group, association, or community member interested in programming in the outdoors, or product development Contact Us.
Food from the Forest: Growing Mushrooms in Vermont -cultivating mushrooms in logs.
Food from the Forest
Maple Syrup and Birch Syrup are produced by tapping Maple and Birch trees to collect the sap produced by the trees and boiling it down to make a delicious syrup. These syrups can be further processed into a wide variety of value- added products from Candy to Maple Butter. Delicious. For SURE!
Some recent statistics on Canadian Maple Syrup Production and the Province of Quebec, Canada show the potential for the development of Maple Syrup production in Atlantic Canada. Maple Syrup is a product of International demand – a demand which annually is on an upward trend.
Maple Syrup from the Glendale Forest was taken to eight countries and markets were identified. With support from Agri-Food Canada and Nova Scotia Agriculture divisions, it is possible to realize this potential once again and continue to expand rural employment opportunities to the region of Cape Breton Island.
Atlantic Canadian Maple Syrup Production Potential
Maple syrup production in Canada supports local economies while meeting world demand.
The potential for Atlantic Canada – particularly Nova Scotia is is almost completely untapped for Maple Syrup Production! The Quebec statistics of Maple Syrup Production and Marketing to 60 countries coupled by its track record of rapid expansion – illustrates Nova Scotia could tap many more trees of the multi- million tap potential the Forests in this province of Canada has to offer!
Annual statistics compiled by Québec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) show a booming industry.
- Québec produces an average of 72% of the entire world’s maple syrup.
- Québec accounts for an average of 90% of Canadian production.
- Québec’s maple industry contributes $1.1 Billion to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP).
- Maple syrup means economic vitality in our regions, creating the equivalent of 12,600 full-time jobs.
- The industry generates tax revenues of $235 Million for governments in Québec and the rest of Canada.
- 85% of Québec maple syrup is exported to more than 60 countries.
- The Average annual production is 150 Million pounds of maple syrup. In 2022, the harvest was a record-breaking 211 Million pounds.
- To meet the growing demand of a rapidly expanding world market, Québec will need to add another 120 Million taps by the year 2080.
- There are 178 Million potential taps ready for production in Québec.
- Today, 57 Million taps are producing maple sap in Québec sugar bushes.
- In 2022, 1,300 Québec maple companies were certified organic, representing 21% of all operations.
International Maple Syrup Organizations
North American Maple Syrup Council
International Maple Syrup Institute
https://internationalmaplesyrupinstitute.com/maple-training-education-and-research
Update on the Christmas Tree Industry of Canada
The Canadian Christmas Tree Association
Rural Industry Development Potential
Seasonal Christmas Wreath Production
