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Northern Ireland Agriculture and Rural Development Minister,
Michelle O’Neill, visited B&Q in Craigavon to learn more about
their ‘Forest Friendly’ programme.
Under this initiative the company sources only wood or paper
used in its products that can be traced back to forests, independently
verified to be well-managed, meeting legal, social and environmental
standards, or is verified recycled.
Speaking at the visit the Minister said - “Sustainability
is a key pillar of forestry development and management with
forests and the use of wood products being increasingly recognised
for their sustainable credentials including the contribution
they make to the mitigation of climate change.
"Forest creation and sustainable forest management is to
the fore in the work of the Forest Service, through the implementation
of its ‘Strategy for Sustainability and Growth’. One
of the important forestry objectives for my department is
to maintain the supply of timber from forests, a renewable
natural resource, for use by the timber processing sector,
which assists economic development and maintains rural employment
whilst providing environmental benefits and public access.’’
Forest Service has been successful, since May 2000, in achieving
certified status under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard,
verified through independent audit. This allows Forest Service
customers to market the timber they process as having originated
from sustainably managed forests.
Explaining the importance of certification, the Minister
concluded - “Certification allows Forest Service customers
to sell their products into markets that specify Forest Stewardship
Council certification requirements.
"B&Q’s
‘Forest Friendly’ programme is a working example of
how the use of products from sustainably managed forests can
deliver real environmental, social and economic benefits for
the public, retailer and consumer alike.’’
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