Forestry Investment Innovation
Forestry Innovation Investment
Overview
In 2003, the Government of B.C. established Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) to work with industry and the federal government to help maintain, create and diversify markets for B.C. forest products. We work with and support the forest sector to bring advanced wood products and technologies to market; promote our products and forest management practices to the global marketplace, and leverage our resources to ensure the forest sector continues to be a key contributor to the B.C. economy.
Forestry Investment Innovation's mandate is to:
- Position B.C. as a global supplier of world-class environmentally friendly forest products
- Actively maintain, create and diversify demand for B.C. forest products in Canada and in key world markets
- Help break down non-tariff trade and market barriers to ensure opportunities for B.C. forest products.
- Work with the forest industry to promote B.C.’s forest products and forest management to the global marketplace.
- Help ensure that the forest sector, through product development and strong international sales, continues to be a leading contributor to the B.C. economy.
Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) is the B.C. Government's market development agency for forest products. FII works to strengthen and diversify international markets for B.C. forest products.
FII has developed a variety of research, video footage, case studies, forest factsheets and imagery for use by B.C. forest companies and associations to assist with marketing efforts at all levels.
FII has developed a variety of research, video footage, case studies, forest factsheets and imagery for use by B.C. forest companies and associations to assist with marketing efforts at all levels.
The Wood First Program
The Wood First program focuses on advancing wood use and innovative wood construction technologies in B.C., and establishing the province as a showcase for forest products in construction, interior design, and daily living. The scope includes both residential and non-residential buildings.
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Planning and delivery of the program is a collaborative effort involving the building construction industry and the forest sector. With guidance from the Wood First Advisory Committee, FII provides overall management and administration of the program including aligning priorities and ensuring the best use of the funds.
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Specifically, Wood First focuses on:
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• growing the culture of living and building with wood in B.C. and beyond;
• maximizing the appropriate use of wood in public and private projects;
• accelerating the adoption of existing and new innovative wood-based products and building systems;
• strengthening B.C.’s capability to produce competitive wood-based products and building systems that create and respond to market demand and are aligned with future raw material supply; and
• positioning B.C. as a world leader in sustainable and innovative wood-based products and building systems in design, production, and application.
The activities of the Wood First program are primarily delivered by third-party organizations under a cost-sharing framework that relies partially on contributions from the industry. Organizations receive funding from FII through an annual competitive Call for Proposals.
• Learn more about the Wood First program strategy and select accomplishments from 2015/16.
• Learn more about applying for funding through the Wood First program.
• Download a copy of the 2017/18 Wood First Investment Plan.
• Download a copy of Wood First - Highlighting Five Years of Accomplishments 2009-2014.
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Forestry in British Columbia is big business. The forest sector is responsible for 35% of B.C.’s total exports ($12.4 billion). Forestry related activities directly support over 7,000 businesses and employ over 60,000 people.