THE MAIN NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS FROM ALBA COUNTY

Non-timber forest products have a lot of other terms which are more or less synonyms like „natural products, wild products”. Non-timber forest products (NTFP) represent a category of products which are provide of wild plants and animals from the forest or from any other natural vegetation types. Around the world humans harvested NTFP from the oldest time. The most common types of NTFP at global level are forest fruits, medicinal plants, fauna of hunting interest and edible mushrooms. Romania has a high potential regarding the harvesting of these types of products due to big diversity of forest and forest site conditions. The aim of this study was to highlight the most important non-timber products from Alba county. First of all was made a selection of most common non-timber products and then were realized a ranking using a set of 19 criteria. The study conclusion was that the most important NTFP from Alba county are honey and hazelnuts follow by golden Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius) and Christmas tree.