News release

Applications Open for Second Round of Forestry Innovation Fund Nov. 1

Business (April 2015 - Feb. 2021)

Applications for the second round of the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust will be accepted in November. Applications open Sunday, Nov. 1 and close Monday, Nov. 30.

The $50-million fund was announced in February to continue to advance the transition and development of Nova Scotia’s forestry sector. Twenty-two applications were received in the first round. Those applications are being reviewed with decisions expected in early December.

The trust may be used by companies, organizations or post-secondary institutions working and researching in the forestry and biological resources sectors. A three-member trustee board will review submissions and make spending decisions.

An application guide and forms are online at https://novascotia.ca/forestry-trust/ .

Quotes:

“The trustees and I have been impressed by the ideas that have come forward to develop new markets and products. 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.”

– Sandra McKenzie, chair, Forestry Innovation Transition Trust board

Quick Facts:

  • 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
  • advice and guidance on proposals will be sought from sector leaders and innovators
  • the fund will be available until March 31, 2025, or when the funds have been spent
  • trustees are chair Sandra McKenzie, Douglas Hall and David Saxton

Additional Resources:

Government’s forestry sector support website is at: https://novascotia.ca/forestry-sector-support/

A new vision for the forestry sector, developed by the Forestry Transition Team, is available at https://novascotia.ca/forestry-sector-support/transition.asp