Forests capture more solar energy than any other terrestrial ecosystem.
Research is needed to understand how simple harvesting techniques can be applied without doing harm to the forest so that future production of the resource is maintained. Research is needed to improve the discovery of unique compounds found in the forest and how to apply modern techniques of extraction, synthesis, and tissue culture, an well as the more traditional approaches of planting and cultivation to expand the forestry enterprise Into new areas. A much broader view of the role of non-wood forest products in forestry is needed so that the immediate needs of rural and native people are met, new products are brought to market, and the forest is sustained to yield both wood and nonwood products. International meetings and workshops to discuss research are encouraged, organized, and promoted as one means of exchanging research information about non-wood forest products. The Research Group and its Working Parties are pleased to welcome new members.