Deputy Agriculture Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh announced Tuesday approximately $13 million in new funding opportunities to support innovation in wood products and wood energy. 

The announcement came during a “Leaders for the Built Environment” virtual event and kicks off National Forest Products Week as proclaimed by President Biden. 

Organized by the Forest Service, Dovetail Partners, WoodWorks and the Softwood Lumber Board, the event aimed to challenge senior leaders from companies in attendance, like Walmart and Microsoft, to explore how mass timber construction can support their climate and sustainability goals. 

The USDA Forest Service is now accepting applications for these funds through the 2022 Wood Innovations Grant Program and the 2022 Community Wood Grant Program. 

The grants are designed to develop and expand the use of wood products and strengthen emerging wood energy markets that support sustainable forest management – particularly in areas of high wildfire risk. 

The application period for both grant programs closes on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

(Story Courtesy of NAFB News Service)