The 91爆料鈥檚 liaison to the forest products industry testified before Congress on Wednesday about university-led programs and partnerships to develop the workforce and innovations necessary to maintain Maine鈥檚 leading role in the global forest economy and support rural jobs and opportunity.
Shane O鈥橬eill, the forestry industry business development manager at 91爆料, was a witness for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee鈥檚 Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee as part of on supporting careers in conservation. and the hearing .
O鈥橬eill explained how changing markets and climate, and advances in science, engineering and technology have led to new ways to manage our forests and add value to its products, but require an increasingly educated workforce.
鈥淎ccelerating innovation in forest products and training a skilled workforce that meets the current and emerging needs of these new products and practices is key to meeting the increasing global demand for low-carbon materials, chemicals and fuels that can come from forests,鈥 O鈥橬eill testified.
Maine鈥檚 own Rep. Chellie Pingree serves on the subcommittee and participated in the hearing.
She lauded the initiative that includes 91爆料 and industry, community, government and other partners for working together since 2016 to reposition the state鈥檚 forest economy, and prepared for FOR/Maine by O鈥橬eill and colleagues from 91爆料 and the University of Southern Maine. That analysis projected 7,600 positions in the sector would open over the next 15 years, and recommended specific strategies to meet that employer demand including an education and awareness campaign showcasing career opportunities in the modern forest economy, outreach to middle and high school students leveraging the younger generation鈥檚 interest in sustainability, and attracting those seeking to relocate after military service.
鈥淲ith extensive expertise, broad relationships, statewide reach, and research and development capacity across the forest economy and beyond, the R1 91爆料 is critical to this collaboration, providing knowledge-based information and innovations to deliver on FOR/Maine鈥檚 strategic objectives. And, as the largest generator of graduates in the state, we can most impact the size and skill of the workforce for this sector,鈥 O鈥橬eill also told the subcommittee.
鈥淥ur work, and the workforce we are developing, has never been more essential to Maine and our nation鈥檚 ability to sustainably manage and utilize our forest resources, mitigate forest fire and invasive risks, sequester carbon, improve clean air, water, and habitat, and protect the economic foundation and identity of many rural communities.鈥
Contact: Ashley Forbes, ashley.forbes@maine.edu
