Study Shows Steady Performance by Georgia’s Forest Industry

For the 13^th consecutive year, a Georgia Tech study shows an increase in revenue generated by Georgia’s forest industry. According to a new report by the Enterprise Innovation Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the total economic output of the forest industry rose to $42 billion in 2022, a 1.6% increase from the previous year. Total direct revenue generated by the forest industry rose 1.5% from 2021 to $25 billion in 2022. The annual report also shows forestry provided the state with $807 million in tax revenue for 2022.

“As the top state in the nation for forestry, these latest numbers confirm what we have long known: the work of Georgia’s foresters touches every corner of our economy,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With record economic growth continuing in every part of Georgia, we will need the hardworking men and women of our forestry industry to meet the needs of countless industries.”

Other highlights of the “2022 Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia” report show:

• Urban & Community forestry total impacts rose 12.7% from the previous year to $7.1 billion in 2022.
• Wages and salaries for forest industry workers were $4.4 billion in 2022, an increase of 0.7% from 2021.
• Georgia’s pulp and paper industry, including 11 pulp mills, continued to dominate all forest industry sectors.

“These numbers reflect stability,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “Our plentiful, renewable resource and strong work force make this possible, providing so many products we depend on, along with critical environmental services. We’re proud to be a Georgia sustainability success story.”

See report highlights here: https://t.ly/9FBXo, and the complete report here: https://t.ly/yzuD4.

For more information about services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.