What do we mean by ‘non-timber forest products’ (NTFP’s for short)? A widely accepted definition is: ‘all goods derived from forests of both plant and animal origin other than timber and firewood’.
In different parts of Canada – not to mention the world – the list of these products varies considerably. Generally though, a list of NTFP’s would include: mushrooms, berries, floral greens, medicinal herbs, crafts, and landscaping products among others. In some parts of the world, wild animals are important NTFP’s. Many NTFP’s have a long history of Aboriginal and, to a lesser degree, non-Aboriginal use.