Political Shifts Highlighted at Forestry Day Focus on Sustainable Practices
Forestry Day highlights evolving political attitudes towards sustainable forestry policies in Sweden.
Key Points
- • 29 politicians attended the forestry day, excluding the Liberals.
- • Jonas Edlund highlighted a shift in attitudes towards forestry practices over generations.
- • Private forest owners control half of Sweden's forests, with 60% in Östergötland.
- • Discussion emphasized balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
On May 16, 2025, a forestry day organized by LRF and Södra gathered 29 politicians from various parties, excluding the Liberals, to discuss the evolving landscape of forestry practices in Sweden. Jonas Edlund, a local farmer and member of the LRF regional board, pointed out a significant shift in political attitudes toward forestry over generations. Historically, policies mandated the removal of deciduous trees for coniferous planting, whereas contemporary approaches advocate for the conservation of old forests and biodiversity.
Private forest owners, who manage half of Sweden's forests—60% of which are in Östergötland—highlight the diverse management strategies influenced by ownership demographics. Discussions revealed a general consensus amongst politicians on the necessity of sustainable forestry practices that align economic growth with environmental considerations.
Edlund underscored the importance of trust between forest owners and authorities to promote innovative forestry methods. He articulated that, "there are 1000 possibilities with a tree," referencing the potential for various products ranging from construction materials to innovations in forestry. Additionally, he criticized the legal challenges forest owners face, where even approved practices result in costly court disputes and logging bans, which impede investments and land transitions between generations.
The event concluded with a call for participation in LRF, emphasizing its role in advocating for rural interests and fostering community networks, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about sustainable forestry policies in Sweden.