UPM Forestal Oriental - Social and Enviromental Report 2014

The Forestry Chain

2. MICROPROPAGATION LABORATORY By selecting superior genotypes, controlled crossings and vegeta- tive propagation, we were able to obtain the most productive materials, which are better adapted and which have the technological characteristics required by the pulp and

paper industry. Having confirmed the best genotypes, we begin propagating the genotypes in the micropropagation laboratory.

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1. GENETIC IMPROVEMENT In the field, we select genetic materials that improve the performance and quality of fibre in our forest plantations. The genotypes are rigorously tested to

verify their productivity in terms of volume, quality, rooting and health.

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7. HARVESTING After 8 years, the trees are in a position to be harvested. Harvest planning takes into account, in addition to demand at the plant, aspects such as species, distance from the factory, age structure of the forest plantations, growth curves and environ- mental conditions.

For reasons of safety, ergonomics, accuracy and flexibility, wherever possible we chose to carry out mechanised harvesting, minimising the risks of accidents and harvest times. On land where this is not possible, we carry out a semi-mechanised harvesting. Harvest activities take into account: the characteristics of the area to be har- vested; presence of species of flora and/or fauna with special conservation status; proximity to riverbanks or areas close to water courses. The most appropriate systems and techniques are always applied and the best time of the year is chosen, among other aspects. Harvesting techniques Forest harvesters/forest forwarders. The harvester carries out the cutting, trimming, debarking and chopping of the tree, leaving the logs stacked on site. System

8. OUR CUSTOMERS After harvesting, the timber is trans- ported to our customers by companies specialising in forest freight and transport . In Uruguay, our main client is the pulp mill in Fray Bentos, to which we supply 3.5 million m3 of timber every year. We also carry out export activities according to demand.

performance is approximately 55 trees/hour, corresponding to 11m/hour depending on the average volume per tree of each trunk in particular. Secondly, the forwarder enters the area, loads the logs and transports them to the edge of the roads. The performance achieved is approximately 14 m/hour.

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