From May 26 to 28, 2025, the picturesque village of Peccioli in Tuscany, Italy, hosted the annual General Assembly of the Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF). Generously organized by CEPF Italian member, Confagricoltura, the event brought together over 50 participants from 23 countries across Europe for three days of dialogue, decision-making, cultural exchange and insightful visits.
This year’s General Assembly was officially opened with welcoming words from CEPF President Sven-Erik Hammar and the President of the Forest Owners Federation of Confagricoltura, Enrico Allasia. They were followed by MEPs Dario Nardella and Francesco Torselli, Tuscany Region representative Sandro Pieroni, Mayor of Peccioli Renzo Macelloni, and the President of the Tuscany Region Forest Owners Federation, Marco Nerri.
Opening the General Assembly, CEPF President highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe and underlined the vital role of sustainably managed forests in strengthening Europe’s resilience, autonomy, and competitiveness. Emphasising forests as a strategic resource, he called for a renewed forest narrative and a political shift to support Europe’s bioeconomy and long-term resilience.
Throughout the Assembly, participants discussed the future of sustainable forest management in Europe, focusing on the role of the bioeconomy, active forest management, and climate adaptation. A special intervention by Massimiliano Giansanti, President of Confagricoltura, further underlined the strategic relevance of forests for Europe’s agricultural and rural development policies. Additionally, Professor Orazio La Marca from the University of Florence delivered a lecture on coppice forest management, providing scientific insights to complement policy discussions.
During the meeting, CEPF Board elections took place. Four members — Heidi Hemstad (Norway), Juha Marttila (Finland), Arnis Muižnieks (Latvia), and Rok Sedminek (Slovenia) — were re-elected to continue their mandates. Four new members joined the Board: Derek Mc Cabe (Ireland), Benedik Thienen-Adlerflycht (Czech Republic), and Konrad Mylius (Austria), while Jean-Pierre Piganiol (France) was elected both as a new Board member and as CEPF Vice-President.
CEPF Secretariat and all CEPF members extended their sincere and heartfelt thanks to outgoing Board members Luc Bouvarel, Felix Montecuccoli, and Michael Podstatzky-Lichtenstein, acknowledging their years of dedication and valuable support to CEPF’s work.
The full list of CEPF Board members can be found here.
CEPF Secretariat and all CEPF members extended their sincere and heartfelt thanks to outgoing Board members Luc Bouvarel, Felix Montecuccoli, and Michael Podstatzky-Lichtenstein, acknowledging their years of dedication and valuable support to CEPF’s work.
CEPF was also pleased to welcome new organisations to its network: the Icelandic Farmers Association joined as a full member, while NORSKOG (Norway) and Skogsällskapet (Sweden) became associated members. Their addition further strengthens the pan-European scope and representation of private forest owners within CEPF.
Dinners that followed productive days of exchange and discussions provided a relaxed setting for lively discussions and networking. On the final day, an excursion to local poplar plantations and coppice forests showcased practical examples of sustainable forest management in the region, emphasizing, yet again, the diversity of European forests.
Beyond the formal programme, the gathering offered participants the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Tuscany. The dinners that followed each day’s productive discussions offered a relaxed atmosphere for informal conversations and networking, strengthening bonds within the European forestry community. On the final day, an excursion to local poplar plantations and coppice forests provided examples of sustainable forest management in practice—showcasing once more the diversity of European forests.
CEPF wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to all members, participants, speakers, and above all, to the hosts at Confagricoltura for their outstanding organisation and hospitality.
The 2025 General Assembly was not only a moment for important decisions, but also a celebration of shared values and cooperation among European forest owners.
More photos from the General Assembly 2024
