30 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2026 NCT Tree Farming NCT Tree Farming remained a strategic timber reserve during the year, underpinning reliable supply, especially of E. smithii, while also strengthening FSC-certified availability, supporting field trials and providing management services. The Group owns approximately 17 438 hectares of plantations and manages a further 4 348 hectares, giving a combined footprint of 21 786 hectares. During the year, Tree Farming delivered approximately 149 391 tonnes of E. smithii , 75 126 tonnes of Acacia and 87 305 tonnes of mixed Eucalyptus, thereby helping to maintain continuity of supply into key markets. 14 189 tonnes of Acacia bark was also supplied. While mixed Eucalyptus sales remained constrained and over-aged Eucalyptus inventories remained a challenge, particularly in the northern areas, alternative market opportunities continue to be pursued. Tree Farming made a significant contribution to the Co-operative’s FSC programme, accounting for approximately 33% of total FSC-certified supply. All NCT-owned farms remain certified and about 90% of managed farms also hold certification. Biodiversity stewardship was further strengthened through the formalisation of the Sphikeni and Dambakazi Nature Reserves, which will enhance protected areas and high conservation value sites under FSC. At the same time, land claims, labour tenant matters and mining and prospecting applications continued to present material legal and financial risks requiring ongoing management attention. STRATEGIC TIMBER SECURITY VIA NCT TREE FARMING, BIODIVERSITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESEARCH CAPACITY By year-end, the contribution of NCT Tree Farming and NCT Research and Development had become increasingly important to long-term supply security, certification strength, biodiversity stewardship and climate resilience. Together, these functions reinforced NCT’s ability to support members, sustain preferred species supply and invest in future productivity through strategic land management, applied research and collaborative innovation.
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