In 2017, the harvesting volume in Russia decreased for the first time in 5 years

In 2017, the harvesting volume in Russia amounted to 212.4 million m3, which is 0.65% less than in 2016. This was reported by Alexey Klochikhin, deputy chief of Forest Use and Regeneration Department of Federal Forestry Agency, at Biofuel Congress held in Saint Petersburg on March 20-21, 2018.

In the regional context, the greatest decrease in harvesting occurred in the regions of the Volga Federal District (-8%, YoY). In the regions of the North-West of Russia, volumes fell by 3% (YoY), and by 5% (YoY) in Central Russia. In Siberia, the harvesting volumes increased by 5%.

Wood harvesting increased due to the implementation of priority investment projects in forest sector: from 31.6 million m3 in 2016 to 35 million m3 in 2017, but decreased due to harvesting by citizens for their own needs: -4.7% (YoY) to 14.1 million m3 and other types of forest usage.

The number of forest area lease agreements concluded by type of forest use is currently about 13,400 (13,379).