A study to investigate the potential for development of non-timber forest products and values from the boreal forests of Newfoundland and Labrador

The concept of non-timber forest products have emerged in literature such as biology and ecology of the forest, the environment and economic development, economic botany, agroforestry, biodiversity and conservation, as well as forest management and policy. [...] While many of the general principals and trends from other regions of the world could certainly be beneficial and transferable to the boreal forest of Newfoundland and Labrador, it is also important to consider preservation issues at the local level. [...] Non-timber forest products also contribute significantly to the value of the economy and includes foods such as berries, mushrooms, and herbs; medicinal plants that contribute to the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries; species that are beneficial to the cosmetic industry; and materials used in the floral and craft products industry. [...] This study has been commissioned on behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Training Association in order to gain an insight into products that have the potential for sustainable commercial development from the forest of this province, and to provide an indication of the commercial value where possible. [...] This results in the waste of a valuable resource as much of the immature fruit is often rejected at the processing plant at the opening of the processing season because of poor quality.18.