WOOD
With 700 000 hectares of forest and a rate of forest cover of around 27%, the Auvergne represents one of the main forestry regions in France. There is a wide range of altitudes (from 300 to 1 400 m), soils and climatic conditions, hence a wide variety of plant species.
Coniferous production is amongst the top six regions in France, and the forest of Tronçais boasts one of the finest high oak forests in Europe.
The potential of the Auvergne in 'forestry' raw materials means that there are numerous processing industry opportunities.
The region thus possesses significant available resources and a high level of production. In addition, harvest levels are lower than the natural growth rate and a large part of the forest is classed as 'young'. Notwithstanding, this latter part is now reaching maturity.