Industry News News
Alberta backs wood industry with Value-Added Products Program

Alberta’s government has launched the Alberta Value-Added Wood Products Program, a move aimed at bolstering small business operators in the province. With collaboration from Alberta Forestry and Parks, Alberta Wood WORKS!, and the Alberta Forest Products Association, the initiative has received an investment of $2.25 million over five years.

The program’s primary focus is on research, innovation, and market entry for new products within the wood industry. This investment aims to optimize the utilization of Alberta’s forest resources while fostering innovation and creating employment opportunities.

“The Alberta Value-Added Wood Products Program represents a significant investment in our province’s small business operators and forest industry, ensuring responsible and efficient use of our province’s forest resource. I am excited to see what Alberta-grown innovation can accomplish with the natural resources our province provides,” stated Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks.

Rory Koska, executive director of Alberta Wood WORKS!, emphasized the importance of this sector, noting that over 500 value-added companies, predominantly medium and small-sized enterprises, operate in Alberta.

The recent government investment is expected to provide crucial support to these businesses, enabling them to thrive and innovate in a competitive market landscape. The program’s allocation of funds to individual manufacturing projects and sector-wide initiatives demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the entire value-added wood products industry.

Click here for more information.