USDA Increases Funding to Promote Wood Markets
(April 27, 2015) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of over $9 million to expand and accelerate wood energy and other wood product markets. The federal funds will leverage $22 million in investments from partners, resulting in a total investment of $31 million in 23 states.
“Working with our partners, the Forest Service is promoting deployment of new technologies, designed to support new market opportunities for wood energy and innovative wood building materials,” said Vilsack. “This funding also supports forest management needs on the National Forest System and other forest lands throughout the United States.”
The announcement included funding for Softwood Lumber Board-funded programs initiatives such as WoodWorks (“Blast-Resistant Testing for Massive Timber Exterior Wall”) and American Wood Council (“Market Access for Tall Wood Construction”).
The Secretary also announced a new partnership agreement between USDA and the Softwood Lumber Board to help coordinate research, demonstration and market development for innovative wood building technologies in the built environment.
The SLB is an industry-funded research and promotion program designed to promote the benefits and uses of softwood lumber products in outdoor, residential and non-residential construction. Through cooperative planning and execution of research and promotional activities, the USDA and SLB will create jobs in rural communities, expand wood use in the built environment and stimulate demand for forest products.
