Government of Canada awards $49,826 to the Syndicat des producteurs de bois de la Mauricie for research work
Enhancing non-timber forest products in Mauricie
Trois-Rivières, Quebec, September 21, 2009 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of $49,826 in non-repayable funding to the Syndicat des producteurs de bois de la Mauricie (SPBM) (Mauricie wood producers trade union) to carry out research aimed at identifying ways to enhance Mauricie non-timber forest products.
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are native or naturalized plants other than timber (fibre). They are gathered in the forest, idle land, underbrush, natural forests or managed plantations. The contribution from Canada Economic Development will help generate a data bank and set of tools aimed at mapping out effective land development and supply strategies. In addition, the setting up of a network of stakeholders should attract processing firms to the region, while creating sustainable jobs in this sector of activity.
“Wise use of our forest resources is an attractive economic development and diversification opportunity for the region. The SPBM’s project will make it possible to develop the NTFP industry in a concerted and coherent manner, so as to maximize the positive economic impacts,” said Minister Lebel.
Since 1967, the Syndicat des producteurs de bois de la Mauricie has supported the 5,700 or so private woodlot owners in their efforts to harness and market their unique forest products by providing advisory services and training related to forestry operations.
Canada Economic Development’s funding of this project has been awarded through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative – Vitality, a measure aimed at supporting slow-growth communities, encouraging diversification of the local economic base and reducing reliance on single-industry economies.
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Sources:
Lyne Montpellier
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-371-5182
E-mail: lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.ca
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Cell: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca