Services for the Forestry Industry of Tomorrow
Today, the forestry industry faces a wide range of challenges while also offering numerous opportunities for education, careers, and sustainable development. INTERFORST 2026, the leading international trade fair for forestry and forestry technology, provides a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current topics. The following sections provide an overview of key areas such as forestry education and training, certifications, and the working environment of associations and organizations in the forestry sector.
Training, Higher Education, and Specialization in Forestry
The forestry industry offers diverse and varied career opportunities. The traditional apprenticeship leads to a career as a forester. Responsibilities include forest maintenance, timber harvesting, and tree planting. Further training to become a master forester or forestry technician opens the door to leadership roles in timber harvesting, work organization, and machinery operations. A degree in forestry or forest science qualifies graduates for roles in forest management, forestry administration, project development, and research and teaching. In addition, there are numerous specialization options, such as forest education, geoinformation management, nature conservation, forest nurseries, and forest machinery operation. Career opportunities in forestry range from state-run forestry operations and municipal forestry administrations to private forestry companies and forestry service providers, as well as universities, research and educational institutions, associations, and nature conservation organizations. Education and continuing professional development are increasingly shaped by topics such as climate adaptation, digitalization, and sustainability. At the same time, hands-on and digital learning formats are gaining in importance.
Certification Systems for Sustainable Forestry
There are various certification systems for forests designed to ensure that they are managed sustainably. Among the best-known certifications in Germany are PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). In addition to promoting the sustainable use of forests, these systems are designed to guarantee the protection of biodiversity and habitats. Soils and water bodies also receive special protection, and the legal harvesting of timber and its traceability across national borders are becoming increasingly important. These certifications can help consumers make informed choices when purchasing wood and paper products. They also promote social standards and workers’ rights. Large, export-oriented sawmills often accept only certified wood because their customers require proof of certification. Compliance with forest certification standards, such as PEFC or FSC, is regularly audited by independent certification bodies.
Forestry Organizations and Interest Groups
The forestry sector comprises a wide range of associations, organizations, research institutions, and service providers that perform various functions along the forest and wood value chain. They represent the interests of forest owners and forestry operations, provide advice on forest management, promote research and the conservation of renewable resources and habitats, and carry out practical tasks such as timber marketing and forest maintenance.
The German Forestry Council (DFWR) is the umbrella organization for the German forestry sector and represents the industry’s interests in dealings with policymakers and the public. The Working Group of German Forest Owners’ Associations (AGDW) brings together the interests of private forest owners in Germany, while municipal forest owners are organized through their umbrella organizations. The German Forest Protection Association (SDW) is committed to forest conservation and environmental education, and the DFUV – Network of Forestry Companies and Forestry Technology e. V. represents the interests of forestry service providers.
At the regional level, small private forest owners in particular are often organized into forestry associations that provide advice, facilitate joint timber marketing, and offer support with forest management. In addition, government agencies such as the Thünen Institute of Forest Ecosystems (WO), the Board of Trustees for Forestry Work and Forestry Technology (KWF), the Bavarian State Institute for Forestry and Forest Management (LWF), and forestry research and experimental stations support the development of sustainable forestry. Forestry work remains one of the most high-risk industries. For this reason, the SVLFG (Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture) supports measures for prevention, occupational safety, and health protection in the forestry sector.
Environmental organizations such as the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) and the German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) are primarily committed to protecting forest habitats, biodiversity, and near-natural forest ecosystems. The Working Group of Alpine Countries (ARGE Alp) strengthens cross-border cooperation for climate-resilient and sustainable forestry in the Alpine region. The interests of downstream wood users are represented, among others, by the German Timber Industry Council (DHWR) and the German Federal Association of the Sawmill and Timber Industry (DeSH).
Organizations and associations in the forestry and timber industry will also be present at INTERFORST 2026 and will be available to offer advice to anyone interested.