Georgia’s forestry industry continued to deliver strong results for the state’s economy in 2013. According to a new Georgia Forestry Commission report provided by the Georgia Institute of Technology, total economic activity generated by the state’s forest industry increased 3.6 percent to $16.9 billion between 2012 and 2013.
The measurement is determined by calculating output, employment and compensation produced directly by Georgia’s forestry industry. The total impact of the forest industry, including dollars brought into the state and recirculated through all major industry sectors, was $28.9 billion, approximately the same as 2012.
“It’s a strong showing for an industry on which so many Georgians rely,” said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “For the third consecutive year we’re seeing steady job growth within the industry and compensation over the past year has increased somewhat over 2012. We’re heading in the right direction.”
Additional highlights of the Economic Benefits of the Forestry Industry in Georgia, 2013 report include:
- Net state revenues generated by the forest industry equaled $365 million, an increase of 51 percent from 2012 and more than double the revenue since 2011.
- The industry supported 50,110 jobs in 2013, up 1.2 percent from 2012.
- Including wages and salaries, forest industry workers earned $3.1 billion, an increase of 0.7% from 2012.
“Georgia’s national standing as a forestry leader benefits us all,” said Farris. “While supporting the world’s supply of wood, pulp and paper products, Georgia’s 24 million acres of sustainable forestland provides millions of dollars in revenue for the state. It also furnishes an estimated $37 billion in economic services in the form of clean air, clean water, and priceless havens for wildlife and recreation.”
Georgia’s 179 primary wood using industries convert logs into products such as lumber, poles and posts, wood pulp and energy products such as wood pellets. Approximately 1,100 secondary manufacturers convert wood products into furniture, manufactured homes and buildings, paper products and more.
More Information
- Economic Benefits of the Forestry Industry in Georgia, 2013
- Georgia’s Sustainable Forests: A Resource for All Generations, 2013
Contact
Wendy Burnett
478.751.3535
wburnett@gfc.state.ga.us