Networks and co-operatives One of the stalling points in the early stages is that potential growers feel isolated. Their future resource contribution, whilst substantial for their farm is seemingly of little consequence in the regional context. It is not uncommon for growers of small stands of timber to receive little or no return when trees are harvested. Previous farm woodlot schemes have seen stands of trees established with no follow-up maintenance. Such stands are crowded and un-productive.
Silvicultural management is an essential component in the private forestry equation.
Yet from an industry point of view, the collective contributions of many small holdings is what provides a substantial regional resource. On the NSW North Coast it is not uncommon for timber to be hauled several hundred kilometres to feed mills further afield. There are networks being established across the country, usually with a specific regional focus. It seems that co-operatives have the potential to provide support to growers at the establishment stage and then continue to assist in collective bargaining later on. The Subtropical Farm Forestry Association is one such organisation with a focus on trees from the subtropical region of eastern Australia.