ATL Standard

Money continues to grow on trees in Georgia, with the forestry industry boasting yet another year of increased revenue.

In 2020, the forest industry produced $39.1 billion in economic output, increasing 7.1% over 2019, Georgia Tech reported. This marks the 10th consecutive year of growth for the industry.

"Georgia continues to lead in all areas of the economy, including the critical forestry industry that provides or is a part of so many of the everyday items we use," Gov. Brian Kemp said on Facebook. "It is no surprise that revenue has leaped for the tenth year in a row!"

The industry produced $706 million in tax revenue in 2020, Georgia Tech reported.

"These numbers reflect the health of our forests and our standing as the number one forestry state in the nation," Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore told AllOnGeorgia. "While the 2020 report shows a slight decrease in the total number of forest industry jobs in Georgia, overall, forestry ranks first in compensation across all manufacturing industries, rising 6.2 % over 2019 figures."

Although jobs decreased slightly, wages were up 5.8% in 2020, totaling $9.1 billion, Georgia Tech reported. The pulp and paper sectors led the industry in all sectors.

"Georgians benefit tremendously from keeping our forests healthy and productive," said Lowrimore. "Our goal is to keep this precious resource sustainable for every person — in the new year ahead, and for generations to come."