Financial assessment of Fagus Sylvatica stands in Latvia

Abstract

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) timber value is high in southern Europe due to a great demand from Asia. Since the timber market is global, over a long time we can expect gradual increase in demand also in other countries, including Latvia, where climatic conditions becomes increasingly more suitable for this species due to ongoing climatic changes. In order to develop recommendation for the use of beech in our country, the aim of the study was to assess the potential financial gain from Fagus sylvatica stands in Latvia. Assortment structure, defined by topdiameter and length, as well as their prices was set based on the literature survey. Results showed higher income from older (115 years) than form younger (58 years) stands: 9108 EUR ha-1, and 7939 EUR ha-1, respectively. However, the opposite was true for the net present value (r = 3%): 1423 EUR ha-1 and 304 EUR ha-1, respectively.