What are non-timber forest products (NTFPs)?
There are a number of definitions for this term, but generally, NTFPs comprise plant, tree and mushroom resources from the forest other than conventional wood products like timber and pulpwood. Examples are wide-ranging and include everything from raw resources like fiddleheads, birch bark and fir pitch to value-added products like maple syrup, rose hip jelly and bent willow furniture. NTFPs also include non-consumptive opportunities that are linked to eco-tourism like guided bird-watching tours.

What about milled or processed wood products like turned wood bowls or wooden shelves – are they eligible to join the directory?
As stated above, there are many definitions for NTFPs. For the purpose of our directory our group has decided to limit ourselves to listings of non-milled and non-processed wood products. And so, someone who makes standard cabinets wouldn’t be included, but someone who makes bent willow chairs would. An exception to the above distinction are products made from local figured woods and similar specialty woods like curly maple, birdseye maple, burls, driftwood, deadfall, spalted wood, tap-stained wood, etc. In this case, a birdhouse maker wouldn’t be eligible, but someone who produces birdseye maple serving spoons would. It is not required that all of a producer’s goods fit within these limits for him/her to be included in the directory. The products that do fit the bill will the ones that will be showcased in the participant’s listing in the directory. 

What is the “From Our Atlantic Woods” directory?
The “From Our Atlantic Woods” directory will be a catalogue of the various NTFPs grown and produced in the four Atlantic Provinces (Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and New Brunswick) as well as the state of Maine in the USA. It showcases historical and modern uses, sustainable harvesting guidelines, recipes and other information related to NTFPs. A similar directory has already been produced in British Columbia: Buy BC Wild. The “From Our Atlantic Woods” directory is available as a printed catalogue and also as a searchable website.

How much does it cost to promote my business or association in the directory?
If you harvest/produce NTFPs or if you represent an association that deals with NTFPs, there is no cost to list your business in the directory.

However, you may choose to include a paid ad in the printed and/or online directory for additional exposure. For more information on advertising, see the contact section.

Who is the target audience?
We are targeting people who are looking for local and natural products and ecotourism opportunities. We also want to showcase our unique blend of specialty forest products to tourists and customers all over the world. The “From Our Atlantic Woods” directory will be distributed at tourist booths throughout the region, as well as at farmers’ markets, craft fairs, forestry fairs and other similar events. If you are listed in our directory, you will also receive copies for distribution.

How can I get more information and get signed up?
New Brunswick: Janette Desharnais, janette@infor.ca, 1-877-450-8787
Nova Scotia: Simon Mutabazi, mutabasp@gov.ns.ca, 1-866-226-7577
Prince Edward Island: Sid Watts, sawatts@gov.pe.ca, 902-838-0623
Newfoundland & Labrador: Krista Head, kristahead@gov.nl.ca, 709-637-2079
Maine: Dave Fuller, dfuller@umext.maine.edu, 1-800-287-1478