Advancing Forest Markets Grant Program (Round 1)

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking applications for its Advancing Forest Markets Grant Program (Round 1). This program aims to remove barriers to large-scale tree planting by increasing access to high-quality seedlings for reforestation, afforestation, and climate resilience projects. It also seeks to strengthen New York's forest economy by supporting producers of forest commodities and forestry businesses through innovation and expansion in product development, capacity, and market access. The grant program offers three distinct funding categories: the 25 Million Trees Nursery Discount Program, the Growing Reforestation Opportunities (GRO) program, and the Tree Market Boost and Revitalization Program (TMBR). Grant awards range from $100,000 to $12 million, with no match required. All funded work must be completed before January 2028. Applicants must be registered with the USDA Farm Service Agency and have a Farm ID located within New York State. All project activities and markets must be exclusively within New York State.