In North Carolina, the forest products industry plants more than 60 million trees each year. Those trees are then turned into more than 5,000 wood and paper products that we use and enjoy each day—everything from baby food and ice cream, to rayon and paint, to toothpaste, cosmetics, medicine, and household cleaners.
In 1960, Congress passed a resolution to establish a Forest Products Week each year in October. The purpose of this is to “focus attention on the importance of our forests and forest products to the nation’s economy and welfare.” Each year since, the sitting President of the United States has issued a proclamation designating the week. In 2022, Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed October 16-22 as North Carolina Forest Products Week.
To celebrate Forest Products Week, the NCFA, along with its sponsors, host a statewide essay contest to help students draw the connection between our forests and our everyday products.
Special thanks to the NC Forest Service and the North Carolina Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee for sponsoring the essay contest!