Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Improving Competitiveness of Forest Enterprise
Summary
In the Aosta Valley region, the introduction of new technologies helped promote the modernization of forestry enterprises. Woodchips equipment and machines were acquired to generate renewable energy.
Background
In the Aosta Valley, forests cover more than 35% of the region and represent an important environmental and socioeconomic asset for local communities and businesses. The region's forest businesses are generally small. The EAFRD helped them buy new machinery and equipment in order to address the demand for renewable energy and biomass production. The Aosta Valley's RDP provides specific support for the introduction of new technologies that promote modernization and enhance the competitiveness of forestry enterprises involved in forest-wood-energy markets.
Objective
With the support of Measure 123, the beneficiary carried out important investments to increase the productivity of his business, to widen the range of marketable products and to maintain a higher continuity of woodchip supply for a local biomass heating plant. Wood energy markets are becoming more and more competitive, requiring the latest machineries and technologies available at the farm and enterprise levels.
Main activities
First, the beneficiary bought a more efficient woodchipping machine. This machine is used for reducing wood (generally tree limbs or trunks) into smaller woodchips to be burnt in a heating plant. Secondly, the beneficiary purchased a tractor-trailer to transport the woodchips from the production site to a heating plant.
Results & Benefits
Both investments helped the beneficiary enhance work efficiency and improve safety. With the new woodchipping machine, for instance, the beneficiary succeeded in increasing the productivity by 25%. The two investments contributed to the development of the forest-wood-energy sector, whose growth depends also on the availability of technologies and services provided by businesses at local level.
Lessons learnt
The modernisation and the development of the forestry sector requires the involvement of beneficiaries other than farmers or forest owners. For this reason, Measure 123 provides support also to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the forest-wood value chain.
Project location and other information
Aosta Valley, Italy, a mountainous region characterized by forests and wooded areas. Liarey, 11 – 11017 MORGEX, Aosta Province, Valle d’Aosta Region
Region
Valle d'Aosta
RDP Territory
Valle d'Aosta
Total project cost (€)
230 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
39 000
National contribution (€)
53 000
Private contribution (€)
138 000
Contact name
Félicien Cornaz
Languages for contact
Italian
Original Language version
At a glance
Country
Italy
Final beneficiary type
Forester
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
17/09/2009
End Date:
15/07/2011
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
123. Adding value to agricultural and forestry products
Keywords:
Biomass, Competitiveness , Timber product, Machinery, Enterprise
Last update
01/11/2013