SFSC
Building a Sustainable Forest Future
Connecting Research, Industry, and Communities for Resilient Supply Chains
The Sustainable Forest Supply Chain Collaborative at Virginia Tech brings people together to strengthen one of our most important natural resource systems.
We work with faculty, industry partners, landowners, and communities to connect research, teaching, and Extension in ways that create real impacts for people across the commonwealth and beyond.
Our goal is simple: support a forest supply chain that is sustainable, resilient, and able to meet the needs of future generations, from the health of working forests to the products people use every day.
What is the forest supply chain?
The forest supply chain includes the steps and interconnected businesses that turn trees into products that support everyday life. This system depends on:
Forest landowners and professionals who manage healthy, productive forests
Logging businesses that safely harvest and deliver wood
Mills and manufacturers that create and distribute forest products
Our efforts focus on all three pillars of sustainability which includes economic, social, and environmental sustainability. When each part of this chain is strong and sustainable, communities benefit through good jobs, healthy forests, renewable materials and energy, and long-term economic vitality. A sustainable forest supply chain ensures that forests are responsibly managed, forest businesses are viable, and forest products are available for future generations.
Upcoming Events
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Redirect ItemWorkshop at Expo Richmond , redirect
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA
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Redirect ItemBooth at Expo Richmond , redirect
April 17-18, 2026 | Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA | Booth #123 in the Farm Bureau Center - Indoor
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Redirect ItemVirginia Forestry Summit , redirect
April 29 - May 1, 2026 | Hilton The Main, Norfolk
Faculty
Our affiliated faculty bring expertise from across the college and work together to solve complex challenges facing the forest supply chain. Their interdisciplinary approach helps improve safety, efficiency, forest health, workforce pathways, and long-term sustainability of the forest supply chain.
Scott Barrett
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Director
Sustainable Forest Supply Chain Collaborative
Brian Bond
Associate Dean for Extension, Outreach, and Engagement | Professor
Sustainable Biomaterials
Graduate Students
Temitope
Ogana
Ph.D. Candidate
Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
Emma
Busteed
M.S. Candidate
Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
Ryan
Chewning
M.S. Candidate
Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
UnderGraduate Researchers
Hailey
Trittin
Majors:
Environmental Data Science
Economics
Undergraduate Opportunities
Coursework, field experiences, and internships introduce students to renewable materials, sustainable forest management, and rural economic development.
Matthews Internship
In partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry, students can apply for a summer internship at the Matthews State Forest in Galax, Virginia. Interns work with forestry professionals and explore careers in land management, public service, and natural resource stewardship.
Developing Collaborative Solutions
Partners and Supporters
Our partners and supporters make this Collaborative possible. We work with:
- Forest landowners and professionals who manage healthy, productive forests
- Logging and trucking businesses
- Mills and manufacturers across the forest-products industry
- Other affiliated industries that provide products and services to businesses in the forest supply chain
How can you engage?
Faculty involved in our collaborative work broadly across the forest supply chain in teaching, research, and extension. As we develop our collaborative, we are interested in learning more about your needs and how we can develop partnerships that benefit all segments of the forest supply chain.
You can help by:
- Identifying critical needs that can be addressed by our faculty
- Collaborating on our research and extension activities across the supply chain
- Connecting with students for internships
- Supporting applied research projects that engage students and faculty to address real world challenges
- Helping identify workforce development needs and solutions
Interested in partnering or supporting our work?
Research
Our applied research focuses on challenges that affect sustainability and resilience of the forest supply chain. Areas include:
- Sustainable forest management and utilization
- Workforce development and training
- Safe, efficient transportation and logistics
Teaching
Our teaching prepares the next generation of professionals to enter a career in the forest supply chain. Students gain experience through fieldwork, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects.
Extension
Our Extension and outreach programs connect research with the people who use it, supporting landowners, loggers, and mill professionals.