The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) is a non-profit co-operative with a mandate to advance collaborative research, monitoring, and management that promotes sustainable use of natural resources in southwestern Nova Scotia.
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Non Timber Forest Products & Agroforestry
Non Timber Forest Products
Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are wild or cultivated forest products other than timber, pulp, shakes, firewood, or other conventional forest products. They are sometimes called bioproducts, botannical forest products, and non-wood forest products, among other things, but "NTFP" is the most common term that is being used today.
Many NTFPs have economic, environmental, and social benefits for our forests and surrounding communities. Some examples are food (mushrooms, berries, roots, etc), medicinal products (tea leaves, tree bark, etc), decorative and aesthetic products (trees/shrubs, flowers, bird feeders, etc), even recreational activities (photography, birdwatching, etc).
Click the articles below to zoom in and read more about NTFPs in Nova Scotia.
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Agroforestry
Agroforestry is an integrated approach that combines agricultural and forestry technologies to create more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy, and sustainable land-use systems. This is the bigger category in which NTFPs reside. Agroforesty is catching on globally, and here in Nova Scotia we hope to ride the wave!
Here at MTRI, we are doing a little research of our own into NTFPs, so we can share our knowledge with the community, and help the forest of North Queens and throughout the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve become healthier ecologically, economically, socially, and spiritually.
Here are a couple maps Alain Belliveau made of the NTFPs on MTRI's property. We could help you do the same! Drop on by for one of our "Mapping Mondays" at the research station (February 1, 8, and 15, 2010). If you missed making your map on a Monday, just give us a call and we'd be happy to discuss your woodlot, its potential for NTFPs and FSC Certification - and make a map!
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) - EXAMPLES
The best resource for researching NTFPs in Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia is the "From Our Atlantic Woods" NTFP Directory. It can be found online at www.fromouratlanticwoods.com
In this guide you'll find the growers and producers that are invigorating our economy and enriching a healthy environment through their ethical, ecological, and entrepreneurial practices. Below are a few examples of NTFPs that you might find in the guide and throughout Nova Scotia. Another wonderful resource for buying local food is www.selectnovascotia.ca
Food
Berries and U-Pick Farms: www.vandykblueberries.ca
Jams and Jellies: patspreserves.wordpress.com
Honey: www.novascotiahoney.com
Maple Syrup: www.novascotiamaplesyrup.com
Mushrooms: www.nsmushrooms.org
Wines and Liqueurs: www.winesofnovascotia.ca
Tea Leaves
Natural Health and Personal Care Products
Nutraceuticals: public.naturallynovascotia.com
Pharmaceuticals: herbalns.org/ccha.htm
Fragrances
Personal Care Products
Beauty Products
Ornamental and Decorative Products
Christmas Trees and Greenery: www.ctcns.com
Native Plants and Landscaping Products: www.helpingnatureheal.com
Arts & Crafts: www.fmnwl.com
Figured and Non-Milled Wood Products
Recreational and Ecotourism Opportunities
Guided Treks: www.novascotiatravel.ca & www.greatearthexpeditions.com
Ecotourism: www.adventurenovascotia.com
Nature Photography: www.canada-adventures-guide.com/NovaScotia/nature-tours.html
Trails: www.novascotiatrails.com
Geocaching: www.geocachingnovascotia.com
Other Opportunities
Energy: www.gov.ns.ca
Industry: biochemicals
Carbon Credits