These days, the forestry and wood industry is all about thinking ahead, conserving what we have and anticipating the future in order to ensure that the forest bioeconomy can cope with whatever the future has in store. Extensive knowledge, the experiences of other regions and the testing of new technologies are, more than ever, key weapons in the armor of all those involved in the wood value chain. The supporting program of INTERFORST 2022, being held from July 17 to 20 in Munich, will provide attendees with an extensive range of knowledge in order to enable the forestry and wood industry to prepare for future challenges.
Politicians, associations and the public provide the framework for development and usage in the forestry and wood industry. The Green Couch in Hall B6 may look like a simple piece of furniture but it has actually become a key meeting point for political decision-makers, association representatives and members of the public to come together and briefly discuss how the forestry and wood industry needs to operate.
Bavarian Minister of State Michaela Kaniber, German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir, and the President of the Bayerischer Waldbesitzerverband (Bavarian Forest Owners Association) Josef Ziegler will lead the way and set the tone during the opening talk on forestry policy at 11:00 on July 17.
Also on July 17, the forestry blogger and forestry engineer Fee Brauwers, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayerische Staatsforsten Martin Neumeyer, and the Chairman of the FiB (Professional Association of Forestry Contractors in Bavaria) Norbert Harrer will discuss public perception in relation to the question “How is forestry’s image?”
Topics covered on subsequent days, such as the future of European forests and the new age of wood in the construction industry, will give all trade fair attendees a solid overview of which networks the forestry and wood industry needs to be involved in and where it needs to prove itself.
In addition, the Forestry Entrepreneur Day focusing on privately owned forests, policy frameworks and communication activities surrounding the use of forest technology will be held at 13:30 on July 17. This is being organized by the Forestry and Wood Cluster Initiative with proHolz Bayern. Participation in the Entrepreneur Day is by invitation only.
Once armed with the knowledge provided by political figures and industry associations, trade fair attendees can then make use of another module for their advanced training: the congress. On July 19 and 20, 2022, top academics will be sharing their latest findings concerning the issues of “Forest Condition—Climate Change”, “Forest Conservation—Utilization Lines”, and “Forest Technology—Digitalization”. Representatives of highly renowned forestry research institutes will be reporting on areas such as pilot projects, climate-resilient forest concepts, and utilization issues.
In cooperation with its partners the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) and the EZG (Producer Group for High-Quality Forest Plants), the KWF (German Center for Forest Work and Technology) will provide another segment in the INTERFORST advanced training program: The “Forest Restructuring—Reforestation” special show in Hall B6 will pool together all answers to the question “How are we shaping the forest of the future?” Ranges of plants, new species of trees, sowing and planting methods, digital support for reforestation and seedling protection will increase the knowledge pool of all INTERFORST attendees for their activities. The forums (also located in Hall B6) will also be worth a visit. “A Changing Forestry Industry—The Key to Survival is Change!” is the title under which academic experts and experts working in the field will present their approaches to silviculture, forest development and communications.
The DLG ForstPraxis Arena will be aimed at users involved in forestry and municipal operations and will focus on the day-to-day use of forestry machinery and municipal technology. Different tasks require special mechanical engineering and technology—the demonstrations undertaken as part of this special show spanning more than 5,000 m² are a must for anyone actively engaged in the industry.
Anyone on the lookout for new markets will also be inspired by the supporting program. INTERFORST’s “Southeast Europe” matchmaking workshop, supported by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), will provide an overview of the development opportunities in Southeast Europe:
Following a presentation on the economic area by international forestry expert Daniel Paul Dima, the event will provide attendees with information on interesting potential target countries. Investment-related background information and the national forestry development goals of the target regions will demonstrate what is needed there. Reports by companies already active in the target markets on their experience to date will provide companies keen to invest and expand with a clear overview of the challenges and opportunities involved.
The INTERFORST 2022 supporting program can be accessed now by all attendees free of charge.
