Concord, NH – The Future Forest Economy Initiative is looking for new ideas, products and markets to increase demand for wood across the northern New England and New York. The deadline for concepts to be considered in the first round of funding in 2020 is Dec. 2, 2019.
The initiative, a cooperative effort of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities, and the Northern Forest Center, grew out of a congressional mandate to support the development of markets for wood products. Over the next three years, the initiative cooperators will invest $2.6 million in sub-grants to expand innovation, create market demand and create conditions that will allow businesses and communities to benefit from these innovations.
The initiative is focused on four investment objectives developed after conversations with public and private leaders in the wood products sector, a survey of wood products businesses in the region, and assessment of relevant state and federal strategies. Priorities include:
- Supporting the development of new products and services from the region’s forests, particularly those that create or expand uses for low grade wood, mill residuals, and/or underutilized species.
- Conducting strategic marketing campaigns to expand wood industry interest in the region as a place to do business and increase consumer demand for wood products.
- Improving the efficiency of wood products supply chains to reduce transportation and production costs and increase access to markets for the region’s manufacturers.
- Strengthening the ability of the region’s wood manufacturers to capitalize on new market opportunities.
To be eligible for funding, projects must impact a county or counties within the service region of the Northern Border Regional Commission. Full criteria are detailed in Appendix I of the Call for Concepts (https://nfcenter.org/
The Initiative will announce subsequent deadlines at a later date. The entire $2.6 million in available funds will be awarded by the end of 2021.
