Denmark

Abstract

In general, this report bears on the total forest area in Denmark, irrespective of ownership category and holding size. The reason is that from most points of perspective, almost all Danish forest holdings have the characteristics of small-scale forestry. Furthermore, the entire population is considered to be urban as only a small percentage is dependent on rural-type income. By far the most important limiting factor on forest entrepreneurship in Denmark is the ownership structure in combination with the wealth of the country. There area a large and increasing number of forest holdings in the smaller size classes, where forestry as a business and livelihood is not a primary aim. Recent decreases in the prices of traditional products and hence decreases in economic performance of the primary forestry sector represent an additional limiting factor. This development has made private forestry – but also public forestry to some extent – look for opportunities for increasing income generation from non-wood products and services. A few forest owners have demonstrated great inventiveness and creativity – proving that many services can become income generating. Society has developed some tools to remedy the potential welfare implications and support and improve the technological innovation and management processes of the sector in general. The key question and issue that research must study and private initiative deal with is how to build and develop markets for ever-increasing ‘softer’ goods and services from the forests at large.