National Hardwood Magazine - November 2014

NHLA NEWS NHLA CONTINUES

NHLA NEWS NHLA CONTINUES WORK WITH AHEC FOR COMMON SENSE EXPORT REGULATIONS Over the past 25 years, NHLA has worked closely with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) to promote the use of North American Hardwoods around the world. That work has been in cooperation with many of the other Hardwood associations and exporting companies, and has included the promotion and teaching of Hardwood lumber grades. Hundreds of talks, seminars and training sessions on NHLA Hardwood lumber grades have been organized by AHEC and we will continue these efforts for as long as the global industry needs to learn them. Another role that AHEC plays is the leveling of the playing surface in dealing with overseas trade rules and regulations, which is essential for the continued growth of Hardwood exports. NHLA has a keen interest especially in its efforts regarding Phytosanitary (Phyto) regulations. These regulations were developed by governments around the world to stem the flow of insects and diseases. Experts confirm that the best way to insure there are no such problems in lumber is to Kiln Dry the lumber before shipment – a normal and common practice for Hardwood lumber exports. To guarantee that lumber is dried to a minimum set of specifications, NHLA developed a Kiln Dried Certificate available to the industry sanctioned by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In addition, the USDA authorized the use of the NHLA KD certificate as a replacement for the Phyto certificate wherever it is accepted. The hold up in its general use has been other countries failing to recognize the certificate despite exhaustive efforts from NHLA, AHEC and the U.S. government. This year, we were pleased that the European Union accepted the NHLA KD certificate in place of the Phyto, until they released their regulation on how it is to be used. AHEC analyzed those regulations and stated: Another clause (EU Plant Health Directive Annex IV.A.I, point 3 option d) will continue to apply after 1 October 2014 which states that consignments of Oak and Maple can be imported “with or without residual bark” if accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate stating that it is kiln-dried. Note that NHLA KD Certificates may not be accepted as an alternative to a phytosanitary certificate if the consignment contains “residual bark.” The EU derogation for the NHLA KD certification program applies specifically to “bark-free” wood. Efforts began immediately to change this wording to eliminate this difference which does not make sense, and restricts the industry from utilizing the guarantee of lumber being kiln dried that NHLA can provide. AHEC recently distributed a three-page directive aimed at clarifying the issues which are in effect now in the European Union. Another problem regulation concerns the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which created special requirements affecting Ash and Birch that are most onerous. In addition to all the bark, the regulations ask for an additional 2.5 cm (1 inch) of sapwood removed. This is further complicated by our own Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which sent out a guidance letter implying that this rule also effects Oak and Maple lumber exports which are clearly not included. Immediate clarification and correction are requested from APHIS but we all know governments work at their own pace and logic. I encourage each member of the industry to become involved with AHEC and support its work in leveling the playing field to keep Hardwood lumber exports growing. With nearly one half of grade lumber currently being exported, their work is more important than ever. ■ BY MARK BARFORD, CAE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HARDWOOD LUMBER ASSOC., MEMPHIS, TN 901-377-1818 www.nhla.com About the National Hardwood Lumber Association The world’s largest and oldest Hardwood industry association, NHLA represents more than 1,200 companies and individuals that produce, use and sell North American Hardwood lumber, or provide equipment, supplies or services to the Hardwood industry. It was founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the measurement and inspection of Hardwood lumber. Since 1980, its headquarters have been in Memphis, TN. To learn more about NHLA, please visit www.nhla.com. 10 NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2014■■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

SCMA UPDATE THE “ART” OF CYPRESS PROMOTION Are you a Cypress producer looking to grow awareness of the attributes of this most versatile wood? Then “get on board” with the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association (SCMA). We are the only trade association dedicated to the promotion of Cypress building products, and we’re knee-deep in an extensive marketing campaign that is bringing Cypress to televisions, computer screens and news outlets all across the country. Here’s an overview of what’s in the works. TWO TV-SHOW PROJECTS This fall, SCMA is partnering with television personality and renowned home and garden designer, Vicki Payne. Her very popular home-improvement show, For Your Home, known for spotlighting the latest building products and solutions, and motivating homeowners to create their perfect space, will feature Cypress in two episodes - the construction of a pergola and the construction of a deck walkway. Be sure to tune in to see how Cypress adds major curb-appeal to a Charlotte, North Carolina home. And thank you to Beasley Forest Products and Gates Custom Milling for donating the Cypress material. For Your Home can be seen on local PBS stations across the country, or viewed online through CreateTV and YouTube. SCMA is also working as a product partner with popular television host/carpenter Ty Pennington, and his new video series NextGen “First to the Future Home.” The online series, available for on-demand viewing at NextGenHomeTV.com, showcases a truly next-generation home - from design through construction and final reveal - and presents practical choices to consider for new homes. For Pennington’s Palm Coast, Florida project, locally sourced Cypress is lending its good looks as exterior siding and soffit, as well as interior ceilings. Don’t miss it. And thank you to Atlanta Hardwood Corporation for donating the Cypress material. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL As with any successful marketing campaign, efforts should be diversified and far-reaching in order to maximize results. To that end, slated for release – just when homeowners are planning home-improvement projects for the coming spring – is a feature article detailing the endless attributes of Cypress. Typically known for its durability and longevity in exterior applications, this time around SCMA will spotlight the unrivaled beauty and warmth of Cypress indoors. Featuring interviews with builders and architects regarding popular interior uses of Cypress – ceilings, paneling, flooring, and cabinetry – the release will reach hundreds of thousands of information seekers via online news outlets and newspapers. GET ON BOARD When it comes to selecting a product based on its versatility, durability, and good looks, Cypress is hard to beat. So if your company is engaged in the manufacture, further processing, or distribution of solid Cypress products or veneers, and you would like to learn more about the work of the SCMA, visit www.CypressInfo.org today. ■ NOVEMBER 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 11