Objective:
Within the framework of the European project SustForest Plus for the revival of gemmaging in Europe, the Centre Régional de la Propriété Forestière de Nouvelle-Aquitaine has commissioned the technological institute Forest Cellulose Wood and Furniture to analyse the impact of resin extraction on the technological characteristics of pine wood (mechanical properties, drying, aesthetics, etc).
Context:
The resin from the maritime pines of the Landes is extracted since antiquity. The resin harvesting was a very important activity for the local economy, more than wood harvesting.
During the second half of the 20th century, the import of cheap resin from emerging countries caused the activity to stop in France. Today, the main source of income for the forest owner is, therefore, wood harvesting. The revival of resin harvesting could constitute additional income for the forest owner, provided that it can be demonstrated that the activity does not have a negative impact on wood quality.
Contacts:
Henri Husson h.husson@crpf.fr
Jean-Denis Lanvin jean-denis.lanvin@fcba.fr
Further information:
A.Oudin, Le gemmage des pins en France
P. Buffault, Etude sur la côte et les dunes du Médoc. Souvigny (Allier) 1897.