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Abstract
In order to speed up the production of small-sized thinning wood
chips in young stands, the Finnish State provides financial incentives for the
production of small-diameter wood chips. Financial support is provided
according to the Sustainable Silviculture Foundation Law (Kemera).
Currently (Summer 2008), the Kemera support provides subsidies for smallsized
wood chips in early thinnings 7–10 €/MWh maximum in typical
harvesting conditions (whole-tree chip removal 40–70 m3/ha, and average
stem size of removal 10–40 dm3). Metsäteho Oy undertook a study on the
total production costs of small-sized thinning wood chips with and without
the Kemera supports. The results gave a clear indication that small-sized
wood chips cannot currently be produced without the Kemera supports from
young stands with typical harvesting conditions. If operating without the
Kemera supports, the average stem size of whole trees harvested must be
greater than 80 dm3, at the current price level of small-diameter wood chips
in order for the harvesting of small-diameter energy wood from young
stands to be economically profitable in Finland.