The role of the forestry industry transactions in the rural economy

This paper assesses the economic contribution of forestry to the rural economy of Wales within an input–output modelling framework. This assessment is undertaken in the context of a need for improved economic information on forestry industry activities to inform policy directions in the new devolved political environment of Wales. Moreover, the analysis is undertaken at a time when the forestry industry is experiencing poor market conditions, and where a series of supply- and demand-side rigidities restrict opportunities for policy initiatives. The paper begins by summarising the scale and scope of the forestry industry in Wales, and examines the use of input–output modelling techniques in assessing forestry industry activity, and the specific methodological problems this creates. The paper uses Welsh input–output tables, augmented by survey data to analyse the dimensions of forestry industry activity. An evaluation of “within-industry” forestry transactions reveals the degree of inter-dependence between forestry sectors in the rural economy. The implications of the findings of the paper for the development of new policy are explored in the conclusions.