WASHINGTON, DC—Last week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the Vietnam Wood Identification and Screening Center, hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences and supported by Forest Service International Programs. The secretary spoke with Vietnamese technicians who are using U.S. forensic wood identification technology to prevent illegal timber extraction and trade. 

“The United States is supporting Vietnam with applying cutting-edge science and technology that allow our trade relationship to continue to thrive in a sustainable manner,” said Secretary Vilsack. 

An estimated 15%-30% of all globally traded wood is harvested illegally. The timber can be sold for much less than legally harvested timber, thereby undercutting suppliers who adhere to national and international laws. Conservative estimates place U.S. industry losses due to illegal logging-related depressed wood prices and lost exports at over $1 billion annually. 

Forest Service International Programs oversees the U.S.-based Wood Identification and Screening Center in Ashland, Oregon. There, center technicians use advanced technologies and methods to determine the species of wood samples, conduct training in wood identification, and support research and development of emerging technologies for wood identification. 

The Vietnam screening center is part of Forest Service International Programs’ global network of wood identification labs. These labs provide law enforcement with the information they need to enforce the Lacey Act and protect the interests of the U.S. forest products industry. 

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has supported Forest Service International Programs to establish five screening center laboratories  around the world. International Programs works closely with in-country scientists to provide training in instrumentation, wood identification methodologies, use of relevant databases, and reporting.