Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has announced the first tranche of successful forestry research proposals from the July 2023 open call for proposals. Source: Timberbiz
The open call for forestry research proposals attracted 29 responses which were reviewed by a scientific advisory panel of experts and a committee of grower members and were subjected to a benefit cost analysis by an independent economist.
Twelve proposals totalling $10m have been approved by FWPA for an investment of $5.5 million through FWPA.
The projects will be funded through industry levies, voluntary cash contributions and matching funding from the Australian government, with significant in-kind contributions by industry and research partners.
The successful proposals were submitted by nine research providers and involve growers from all major commercial forest growing regions of Australia. The research will address a range of challenges across forest health and biosecurity, plantation silviculture, detection of threatened fauna, impacts of fire, phytosanitary options for log exports, and alternate species from current tree crops – many by harnessing various remote sensing and molecular technologies.
There are several proposals still under evaluation, and it is expected that further announcements will be made in coming weeks, following completion of the approval process.
“FWPA is proud to continue our support of world class research that will have real and positive impact on the businesses of Australia’s commercial forest managers – research that our members value,” FWPA Forest Research Manager Jodie Mason said.
“We thank the many research leaders and industry partners for their considerable efforts in developing high quality proposals and look forward to working with them to implement the projects, commencing in the coming months.
Sharon Occhipinti, General Manager Forest Services, HVP Plantations, and an executive member of FWPA’s Grower Research Advisory Committee said that FWPA’s investment in these projects demonstrated how researchers could work with industry to solve problems identified by forest growers.
The FWPA Forest Research Program supports collaborative activities that advance research, development, and extension of benefit to Australia’s commercial forest growing sector.
The Forest Research Program is aligned with the Forestry RD&E Investment Plans, which were developed in consultation with Australia’s commercial forest growers to inform collaborative investment and identify priority topics.
