The Federal Minister of Agriculture Horst Seehofer has accepted to be the patron of the15th KWF-Tagung and voiced his recognition of KWF’s achievements in Germany.

“With its tradition and wide acceptance, the Kuratorium is an important institution for the promotion of collaboration between the Federation and the states for sustainable forestry practices,” Seehofer said. Particular focus is placed on the Kuratorium für Waldarbeit und Forsttechnik (KWF) in times of increasing demand for all forest products, especially in the sector of raw materials supply. The KWF tackles challenges posed by questions relating to the more intensive utilisation of forests, the offer of additional wood product assortments, sustainable wood harvesting under the most various restrictions — water, soil, landscape, nature, and species-protection or also relating to operations in certified forests. It not only addresses the development of new technologies and procedures, but also the coordination of the different interest groups in particular. The KWF offers different platforms for this purpose – not least within the framework of this year’s 15th KWF-Tagung in Schmallenberg. Dr Ute Seeling, Managerial Director of the KWF, is glad to say that „With the acceptance of the patronage, Federal Minister Seehofer reinforces his commitment to responsible practices in Germany’s forests”, as Horst Seehofer emphasised in his greeting: “My priority is to utilise, protect and promote the multifunctionality of our forests. “