Support for Forestry Associations (MLUK Forestry Guideline FWZ)
Brandenburg supports recognized forestry associations for professionalization, timber marketing, member information, forest maintenance contracts, training, and project management. Applications can be submitted continuously, for subsequent budget years until September 30 of each year.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development of independent, self-sustaining forestry cooperatives open to new members aimed at increasing turnover, timber marketing, sustainable ecological forest management, and integration of small private forests.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs for forestry-trained staff
- Costs for the preparation of business plans
- Expenses for member information and printed materials
- Training costs for employees and board members
- Costs for project management and coordination
Non-eligible expenses
- Investments and acquisitions of tangible assets
- Measures on forest areas outside Brandenburg
- Contracts covering more than 200 ha of forest management area
Eligible to apply
- Non-profit Organizations
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Application as a recognized forestry association (FWZ) according to the Federal Forest Act
- Submission of a participation certificate in the Test Operations Network Forest-BB
- Employment of professionally trained forestry personnel for specific measures
- For forest maintenance contracts: written contract for at least three years
- Submission of complete application forms in the current version
Documents required for application
- Application form (antrfwz.xlsx)
- FWZ guideline (richtlifwz.pdf)
- Participation certificate test operational network of forestry associations
- Forest maintenance contract (for measure no. 2.4)
- Proof of use (vwnfwz.xlsx)
- Payment request (auszfwz.xlsx or auszfwzzu.xlsx)
Evaluation criteria
- Sustainability aspects of forest management
- Professionalization potential of the association
- Inclusion of small private forests
- Market position and marketing strategy
Description
The state of Brandenburg supports non-profit organizations, interest groups, and associations that act as recognized forestry cooperatives (FWZ) within the meaning of the Federal Forest Act with an ongoing grant program. The goal is the development of independent, economically viable cooperatives with an improved market position, increased timber marketing, and sustainable, ecological forest management, with particular involvement of small private forests. Annual grants of up to €150,000 per FWZ are possible, with a funding range of 60% to 90% of eligible expenses. Approval is granted based on the GAK framework plan, and the project duration is up to 60 months. Applications can be submitted continuously, but no later than September 30 for subsequent fiscal years (start 01.01.2024, end 31.12.2026). Important prerequisites include recognition by the highest forestry authority, a participation certificate in the Test Operations Network Forest-BB, and the employment of professionally trained forestry personnel. Forest maintenance contracts must be concluded in writing for at least three years.
Eligible measures include, among others, personnel costs for professionally qualified forestry staff, preparation of business plans for professionalization, member information (printed materials, digital media, events), training of employees and board members, as well as project management. Fixed amounts apply, for example, to forest maintenance contracts (€20–130 per hectare/year) and timber offer consolidation (€0.20–2 per solid cubic meter). Selection is based on sustainability aspects, professionalization potential, involvement of small private forests, and marketing strategy. Prior to application submission, the current forms must be completed in full in their valid version. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis upon proof and verification of use; final payments are released after review of the verification of use.
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