Optimising the sustainable production of wood and non-wood products in small forest properties and development of new forest-based value chains

The 'Optimising the sustainable production of wood and non-wood products in small forest properties and development of new forest-based value chains' program primarily targets consortia that employ a multi-actor approach, bringing together diverse expertise from across Europe and eligible non-EU countries. The program's core objective is to enhance the sustainable management of small forest properties, integrate them into bioeconomy value chains, and support the broader goals of the EU Forest Strategy for 2030.

This program supports research and innovation actions focused on sustainable forest management, the development of wood and non-wood products, and the creation of new forest-based value chains. Projects should address environmental and socio-economic dimensions, integrating digital tools and innovative business models. Financial support can also be extended to third parties for specific developmental and validation activities.

Financial support under this program is provided as grants, designed to foster research and innovation in sustainable forestry and bioeconomy sectors. Projects are typically awarded substantial funding, with specific limits for smaller-scale support to third parties, ensuring targeted development and validation activities. All funding aligns with the Horizon Europe framework, which governs the financial and legal setup of grants.

Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to specific conditions for proposal submission, project implementation, and financial management. A key requirement is the implementation of a multi-actor approach, ensuring broad stakeholder involvement. General conditions related to admissibility, eligibility, financial capacity, and legal setup are detailed in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

The application process for this call has concluded, with proposals submitted through a single-stage procedure. Evaluation results have already been communicated to applicants, reflecting the past timeline of this specific call.

This funding program is established and governed by comprehensive legal frameworks from the European Union, primarily the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. These foundational documents ensure the program's legitimacy, outline participation rules, and define financial management guidelines, providing a clear regulatory basis for all activities.