[ Virginia ] There’s a healthy market for Virginia forest products, but raising and selling timber without a plan is going out on a limb. That was part of three speakers’ message to producers Oct. 20 at the Virginia Agriculture Summit. Goerlich recommended consulting local Extension staff and investing in the services of a professional consulting forester before deciding to sell. Montgomery County timber producer Harry Groot , who was among organizers of the Blue Ridge Forest Cooperative, concurred. Groot and other producers formed the co-op so members could profit through collaboration while practicing sustainable forestry in the watersheds of the New River, upper Roanoke River and upper James River . Forest products produced by members are processed and sold by the co-op, which has positioned itself to capitalize on the growing “green” market.

News notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network News Notes
www.southernsustainableforests.org