Services on Saskatchewan’s forestry research to be reorganized

Regina, SK – Various research-related services for Saskatchewan’s forest industry have been reorganized.

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) will assume responsibility for the agro-forestry and bio-energy research and program functions currently carried out by the Prince Albert-based Forest First organization. Not-for-profit research institute, FPInnovations, will undertake Forest First’s value-added business development work.

“Earlier this month we released our new forest industry development framework which is intended to help the industry move from a commodities base to more market-driven value-added products,” said Bill Boyd, the province’s energy and resources minister. “As we provide programming support to the forest industry under the framework, we look forward to the value-added product and market research that institutional leaders such as the Saskatchewan Research Council and FPInnovations can provide.

The transition of responsibilities between Forest First and the two organizations will be managed by a team of officials from SRC, Forest First, the Ministry of Energy and Resources and Enterprise Saskatchewan.