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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has announced the availability of up to $34 million in funding to support Innovation and job growth in the forestry sector while promoting healthy forest landscapes. This funding, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, will be distributed through the Forest Service’s grant programs, including the Wood Innovations Grant, Community Wood Grant, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of sustainably sourcing wood for manufacturing products to improve forest health and strengthen local economies. The agency is seeking proposals for innovative uses of sustainably sourced wood in construction, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These programs have already supported numerous projects across the country, totaling nearly $190 million in investments since 2021.
Eligible entities, including private, non-profit, and government sectors, are encouraged to submit proposals for funding. These investments will not only support forest management projects and reduce wildfire risk but also promote the use of byproducts like small diameter timber and woody biomass in commercially viable wood products. Businesses in the forest products economy can apply for funding to expand manufacturing capacity and create new market opportunities.
The Forest Service’s 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis will also benefit from these investments, focusing on sourcing wood from activities that reduce risks to communities. For more information on funding opportunities, visit the Forest Service webpage.
In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is dedicated to transforming America’s food system, promoting local and regional food production, fair markets, access to nutritious food, climate-smart practices, rural infrastructure investments, and equity across the Department. Learn more at www.usda.gov.
USDA is committed to being an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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Sophie Müller completed her studies at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, earning a degree in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in agroecology. Her research explored the interactions between crops and their environment, particularly in relation to organic farming systems. Sophie is now a research scientist, focusing on agroecological practices that promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact in agriculture.
