How often do you stop to think about the wood in your furniture, flooring or panelling? Where does it come from and how is it produced? TWK Agri explains six interesting facts you probably don’t know about the timber sector.

The timber industry is an agricultural sector that produces vast amounts of wood for all kinds of purposes. Here are six facts about the industry you probably did not know.

1. South Africa’s Forests Cover Less Than 1% Of the Country

Unlike some other countries, South Africa has minimal forestry resources. Most of the industry is focused around KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

2. South Africa Has Very Strict Forestry Laws

We have many protected tree species which are illegal to cut down. Around 50 of the 1,700 trees and shrubs in South Africa are protected, including the Marula and some varieties of Yellowwood.

3. South Africa’s Timber Industry Supplies Most of Africa

South African timber, mostly in the form of treated poles, is shipped all over the continent, including Morocco, Senegal, Ethiopia, Angola, Namibia, Madagascar and Mauritius.

4. South African Forests Are Among the Most Sustainable In The World

The forestry industry aims to be as environmentally, economically and socially responsible as possible. The South African industry boasts the highest degree of forest certification in the world.

5. 30% Of Forestry Land in SA Remains Unplanted

At any time, an average of 30% of our country’s forestry land is empty of trees and has not yet been planted. This is to allow space for conservation and recreation.

6. Forestry Is an Important Economic Sector For SA

In South Africa, the forestry industry contributes 5% of the national GDP, and around 10% of the country’s agricultural GDP. It is an extremely important contributor to the provincial economies of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Around 150,000 workers are employed in the industry countrywide.

Source: TWK Agri

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