How does wood mobilization depend on marketing decisions? A country comparison based on choice experiments

Abstract

Key message: There is no one-size-fits-all policy instrument to enhance wood mobilization. The success of implementing such policy measures can vary among countries and regions depending on the specific structural and institutional conditions as well as on behavioural aspects of the particular public and private decision makers. Context: Forestry has a huge potential to contribute to a sustainable bio-economy by providing wood as a renewable resource. Making wood available to meet the future demand is one of the goals of forest policy and private initiatives. Aims: Understanding the market behaviour of forest owners and managers is important to identify effective and efficient policy instruments that enhance wood provisioning. Methods: We conducted a choice experiment at two study sites in south-eastern Germany (Upper Bavaria and Lower Franconia) and two in north-eastern Switzerland (Grisons and Aargau) to elicit foresters’ preferences for different supply channels, contract lengths, wood prices and duration of business relations. Conclusion: Our study site comparison identified regional differences and particularities, which should be taken into account when promoting wood mobilization. The success of policy instruments, such as the promotion of bundling organizations and long-term contracts, can vary depending on the specific structural and institutional conditions, like existing marketing channels, as well as on behavioural aspects of the particular public and private decision makers.