Source: NCDA&CS, 6/2/21


Forestry economists from N.C. State University recently released the latest economic impact numbers of the forest sector, which at $34.9 billion represents a $1 billion increase from last year. Forestry and logging operations, sawmills, furniture mills, and pulp and paper industries are included in the forestry sector.

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• I think we can all agree North Carolina is a beautiful state, bordered by the mountains in the west and the coastline to the east.
• Between those points, you will find a lush canopy of trees and open farmland. I believe these green spaces are part of what draws people to North Carolina.
• But, our forest and farmlands also contribute so much more. Forest and agricultural production fuel our state’s No. 1 industry, and there are significant environmental benefits, too, including carbon sequestration.
• A UC Davis report noted that 25 % of our carbon emissions have historically been captured by farm, forest and grass lands.
• So, we are fortunate to have these renewable natural resources here in our state.
• Forest economists with N.C. State University recently released economic impact numbers for our forestry industry that show for the third consecutive year in a row, it has grown by $1 billion to $34.9 billion.
• In total, the forestry industry supports more than 148,000 full- and part-time jobs, with a payroll of over $8.4 billion.
• Included in the forestry sector are forestry and logging operations, sawmills, furniture mills, and pulp and paper industries.
• In addition, the forest sector continued to be the top employer among manufacturing sectors. The report also noted that every job in the forest sector resulted in another 1.01 jobs in the state.
• We did see international exports dropped slightly (2 %) to $1.41 billion, but forestry products remain a significant export commodity here.
• As a renewable resource, I am proud of our forestry industry and the benefits it provides our state.