The Future Forest Economy Initiative has announced they are 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 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 are expected to 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.

To be eligible for funding, projects must impact a county or counties within the service region of the Northern Border Regional Commission, which includes the Adirondacks and Northern New York. Projects must have clear and direct benefit for the wood products sector, but private companies cannot receive direct financing through this project. Eligible applicants include government, Native American government and organizations, nonprofits, and public and private institutions of higher education. Full criteria are detailed in Appendix I of the Call for Concepts.

Investment Objectives

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.

The initiative has identified priority activities for each objective, which are detailed in the Call for Concepts.

The Northern Forest Center is now accepting project concepts for funding consideration. Applicants wishing to be considered for funding early in 2020 should submit initial concepts by Dec. 2, 2019. 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.