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N.S. forestry innovation fund opens Nov. 1 for second round of applications

Nova Scotia forestry companies are encouraged to apply for the second round of funding in the province’s Forestry Innovation Transition Trust.

Applications open Nov. 1 and close Nov. 30.

The $50-million fund was announced in February to assist with the transition and development of Nova Scotia’s forestry sector after Northern Pulp’s closure in January.

The trust may be used by companies, organizations or post-secondary institutions working and researching in the forestry and biological resources sectors.

Projects may include the development of high-value products and/or new and enhanced business models, processes or services, inclusive economic growth opportunities and new ecological services.

Forestry workers may also seek funding to support training or retraining, if other education funding sources have been exhausted.

Twenty-two applications were received in the first round, and are currently being reviewed by the three-member trustee board. Decisions are expected in early December.

“The trustees and I have been impressed by the ideas that have come forward to develop new markets and products,” says Sandra McKenzie, chair of the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust board.

“Applications from the first round cover a range of sector issues and are from a diverse mix of private sector, industry and research groups. We look forward to seeing more innovative proposals to advance ecological forestry and secure the future of the sector.”

The fund will be available until March 31, 2025, or until the funds have been spent.

An application guide and forms are online here.