For the first time, this opportune book provides a comprehensive treatment of the many innovative, non-timber bioproducts that may be derived from Canada's vast forests, including their potential economic, social and environmental impacts. It also offers a balanced discussion of the technological, policy and regulatory issues surrounding the emerging global bioeconomy. This book will not only be of interest to Canadian forestry professionals and entrepreneurs, but also to those interested in the contribution of forestry to the bioeconomy worldwide.

Topics discussed include:

-biofuels and bioenergy

-biochemicals

-agroforestry

-foods, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals

-decorative and aesthetic products

-recreation

-other innovative products and technology

-forests and pests

-carbon credits

-the way forward

Individual book chapters attempt to estimate the value of various forest-derived bioproducts and give concrete indications of their potential contribution to a sustainable Canadian economy. It is the first time that any book has brought together much of the diverse information available at a national level and that also aims at suggesting progressive steps to be taken to maximize the many values of Canada's forest legacy. Wherever possible, dollar values have been assigned to present and emerging markets, and background provided on current technologies and issues, which will be helpful to policy-makers and opinion leaders. Novel biofuels and bioenergy are described at one end of the spectrum, with more traditional non-timber forest products, such as decorative and recreational products, at the other end. In addition, each chapter describes Canada's international position, future innovations, potential roadblocks to be overcome, and what mechanisms might enhance the competitiveness of Canada's forest-based bioeconomy.

Suzanne Wetzel's profile page

Luc C. Duchesne's profile page

Michael F. Laporte's profile page