Next step for forestry development work

A market development grants scheme for the forestry industry is now up and running. It is the latest step taken under the Forest Industry Development Agenda, the Minister of Forestry, Jim Anderton said today.

"The Forest Industry Development Agenda, or 'FIDA', has been underway since April this year. It is a plan to help move the industry forward, lift profitability, employment and investment opportunities," Jim Anderton said.

"This stage opens the door for industry players to access a $2 million per year contestable fund for projects that assist with making the most of market development opportunities. It is a bid-in system whereby industry associations, groups of companies or organisations can submit proposals, which will be assessed against a range of criteria.

"But it isn't a free ride - the industry has to match Government funds on a minimum 25:75 industry to Government ratio" the Minister said.