The Government of Ontario in Canada has announced an initial $1.5 million (€1 million) funding for 15 projects under the new Forest Biomass Program, to advance research, innovation and modernisation initiatives.
The Forest Biomass Action Plan is a five-year plan that encourages the use of forest biomass resources to secure jobs, support economic development and encourage sustainability in Ontario’s forest sector. First announced in May 2023, the scheme is providing a $19.6 million (€13.3 million) investment in projects.
According to the Government of Ontario, these investments will develop the untapped economic potential and environmental benefit of new and emerging uses of underutilised wood and mill by-products.
Each project supports new and emerging uses of forest biomass, the mill by-products from manufacturing, bark, shavings and sawdust, as well as trees or above-ground tree parts unsuited in the production of other forest products, added the authority.
“In just a few months, our Forest Biomass Program has identified many promising forest sector initiatives, with many more projects we plan to support in the months to come,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Today’s investment will begin to unleash the potential that biomass has to create good jobs, build strong communities and support healthy forests.”
“Creating and sustaining employment opportunities in the forest sector is something our government is keenly focused on,” said MPP John Yakabuski, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “The Forest Biomass Program is another example of our commitment to jobs in the forest sector. These investments will help support workers, operators and our sustainably managed forests.”
Government of Ontario announces funding for 15 biomass projects
