FOREST PRODUCTS TRADE AND POLICY IN RELATION TO OUTGROWER SCHEMES

摘要

As wood product prices are not generally expected to increase, products from outgrower schemes will either have V to compete with supplies from existing sources, as well as those from current plantation programmes, or focus on niche or local markets. Given that supply contracts are likely to be more attractive to large, capital-intensive industries, the greatest opportunity for outgrowers may be to seek contracts with pulp and paper mills. As statistics on wood supply at the sub-national level are generally not available, the best way to gauge supply prospects is likely through sector publications (e.g. Jaakko Pb'yry Consulting, 1997) or contact with the mill operators themselves. Prospective outgrowers will also have to work within existing policy environments, which vary greatly between countries. Log export bans and timber price controls are likely to work against outgrowers by pushing down national wood products prices, thus making it difficult for outgrowers to compete. Subsidies and incentives aimed at large plantation developments are likely to have the same effect. Accordingly, the best indicator of potential for outgrower schemes, in addition to policy appraisal, is the presence of smallholder plantations, such as in the Philippines, Lao People's Democratic Republic, India and Thailand (FAO, 1998).