Tree Production Innovation Fund (currently closed)

YourThe projectTPIF mustsupported addressprojects atthat leastwill oneenhance ofor thefacilitate TPIFtree challenges.

Ifproduction youmethods areused ready,in the UK. You could apply for TPIF.

Ifup youto are£200,000 aper TPIFfinancial agreementyear holder,to finddevelop outnew howtechnologies toor maketechniques athat claimenhance andUK managetree yourproduction agreement.methods.

About the fund 

The TPIF is a competitive grant that supports projects that enhance orUK facilitate domestic tree production methods. Improving tree production will help meet the government’s target of increasing tree and woodland cover in England to 16.5% by 2050. 

The TPIF encourages the development and adoption of new technologies and ways of working that will:  

• improve the productivity and resilience of tree production practices 
• improve the quality of seeds and trees produced 
• ensure genetically diverse material from a wide range of species and provenances is available 
• create resilient treescapes that can withstand climate change, pests and diseases 

TheYou fundcan hasapply beenfor designedproposals spanning up to complement3 the:financial years (to March 2028), but you must clearly define which outputs will be delivered by March 2026. 

• Tree

  Funding Productionbeyond CapitalMarch Grant2026 –is supportssubject treeto nurseriesthe andnext seedgovernment suppliersspending toreview. improve,If expand,future automatefunding oris mechanisenot thesecured production(for offinancial treesyears or2026/27 treeand seed

• Seed2027/28) Sourcingwe Grantwill –terminate aimsmulti-year toagreements increaseat the quantity,end qualityof and2025/26 diversityby ofproviding seedat sourcesleast in1 England

Who can apply 

We welcome TPIF applications from a wide range of applicants, including: 

• private sector nurseries, organisations and seed suppliers 
• public bodies partnered with private sector third party organisations 
• research institutes 
• universities and colleges 
• horticultural and agricultural growers 
• private sector research and technology suppliers 
• consortia 
• new entrants to the sectorsector 

The ‘lead applicant’ must be a UK-based business, sole trader or organisation.

Applicants are encouraged to partner with industry (for example, tree or seed producers) where appropriate. Refer to the directory of forest nurseries directory.

PublicProjects bodiespreviously funded through the TPIF are requiredeligible and encouraged to partnerapply. withIf privateyou sectorare thirdapplying partyfor organisationsan extension of a previously funded project, you must provide information on potential routes to bemarket eligibleor forcommercialisation funding.plans in your application. 

ProjectsThe previously‘lead fundedapplicant’ throughmust TPIFbe a UK based business, sole trader or organisation.  

Public bodies are eligiblerequired andto encouragedpartner with private sector third party organisations to apply.be eligible for funding.  

Forestry England and Forest Research are not eligible for grant funding under TPIF but but may be subcontracted on behalf of eligible organisations to complete TPIF  related fundedwork activities. packages. 

WhatInformation youfor canprevious apply forapplicants 

YouSeveral canchanges applyhave been made to the grant for proposals2025. spanningThese include: 

• successful applicants must attend and present at up to 3 financialvirtual years.‘TPIF Whetherknowledge singleexchange orand multi-year,transfer’ projectsevents  
• the mustTPIF challenges have a:
  been updated  
  • minimummulti-year costfunding of(beyond £20,000March 2026) can be applied for but is subject to the next government spending review 
  • maximumapplicants costmust ofhighlight £200,000tangible perproject financialoutputs yearthat will be delivered by March 2026  

  Project challenges and priorities

  AllYour itemsproposal must be receivedinnovative. This can include technological, product and workprocess completedinnovation. 

  Projects betweencan be valued at up to £200,000 per financial year and must address one or more of the startfollowing challenges: 

  Challenge 1: Efficient use of yourforest grantreproductive agreementmaterial (FRM)     

  A variety of issues can lead to a low conversion rate of seed and 27vegetative Marchmaterial 2029.to trees for planting. FRM is in limited supply, and it’s vital that we maximise the efficient use of the supplies available.  

  BeforeSeed applying,quality, encompassing makethe surepurity, youviability areand confidenthealth thatof youa batch, can completebe highly variable for trees. Even viable seed can be very hard to germinate and successfully establish, especially for the many tree species which have deeply dormant seed. Optimised techniques for tree seed harvesting, processing, screening and storage all fundedhave activitiespotential to improve quality and outputsbiosecurity withinof thisseed period.available to nurseries.   

  Projects might seek to develop enhanced treatments such as priming, which can improve synchronicity and speed of germination. Seed coatings and pelleting can change seed shape and size (which can facilitate use of machinery in seed processing and nurseries) and deliver beneficial compounds from nutrients to pesticides. Projects might also explore how the seed microbiome can positively and/or negatively affect germination and growth.

  ProjectChallenge eligibility2: Ensuring a diverse and resilient supply of FRM and saplings  

  ToIncreasing bethe eligiblevariety of species and provenances and genetic diversity of our treescapes can improve resilience to pests, disease and the changing climate. However, enhancing the diversity of material available for funding,planting yourpresents projectchallenges. must:

  • beSome innovative
  • addressspecies onethat are not commonly available in tree nurseries at this time may present germination or morepropagation ofdifficulties, which require the TPIFadoption challenges
  • beof environmentallynew sustainable
  • havetechniques intendedand outcomesapproaches.

    We applicableencourage proposals that show potential to treeovercome productionthese inbarriers, Englandparticularly (butfor notbroadleaves necessarilyand exclusivealternative to)

  • beconifer relevantspecies. to  

    Growing speciesan withincreasingly forestrydiverse potentialrange (butof notspecies, necessarilyeach exclusivewith to)

  • bemultiple limitedprovenances, presents a challenge to pre-commercialnurseries activity
  • notand poseseed suppliers as they require management of a risklarge volume of product lines. We welcome proposals seeking to biosecurity
  • notaddress havethis startedthrough beforethe fundingdevelopment isof approved
  innovative approaches to stock control.   

  ThereDevelopment and management of tree seed sources is novital limitfor the resilience and diversification of supply. Innovation in establishment or management of seed orchards and seed stands might include development or application of tree breeding approaches to deliver certain traits to market, or innovation in the numberidentification, development, planting, growth, management or harvesting of bidsseed anstands applicantand mayorchards.   

  We submitalso asrecognise longthat asseed eachcollecting applicationand isprocessing are specialist activities that require networks of knowledgeable and seasonal labour, and specialist equipment and facilities. We also welcome proposals to innovate the supply chain for seed, potentially through collaborative approaches or systems change.   

  Challenge 3: Development and adoption of automation and other technologies to enhance productivity   

  Labour supply issues can limit tree nursery productivity. Automation, for example of singulation or grading, are used in other growing sectors, but have been a uniquechallenge project.to introduce into the tree production sector where nurseries deal with smaller volumes and a wider diversity of species.

  ReadThe ourdevelopment/adaptation TPIFand/or caseadoption studiesof appropriate automation to findincrease outnursery howefficiencies fundingand benefittedcapacity previouscould granthelp holders.to overcome labour uncertainty. In addition, such advances would reduce the need for repetitive manual labour and present opportunities for higher quality jobs. For example, running of planting machinery.   

  EligibleThe costssector has recently seen some shift from field grown to applycell for:grown plants. We are also interested in proposals that could widen uptake or accessibility of these techniques, or develop novel transplanting or planting systems to enhance productivity.   

  • personnel

    Challenge costs,4: includingWeed directcontrol   

    In overheads*recent foryears staffthe employedsector has begun to adapt nursery practices to reduce use of chemical herbicides. The sector faces a considerable challenge to reduce reliance on such products without turning to alternatives that are equally environmentally unsustainable, whether it be in the project

  • equipmentcontext costsof forgreenhouse gas emissions, impact on biodiversity or other considerations. Solutions to this challenge are vital to maintain the periodproductivity of the project.sector.  

    We Wherewelcome equipmentproposals isthat notuse usedall forkinds itsof fullinnovation life,to onlysolve this challenge. These might include technology-based solutions such as laser technology as well as nature-based solutions. Projects might explore the depreciationefficacy, costspotential correspondingdamage to non-target organisms and the lifewider environment, and cost effectiveness of thedifferent projectapproaches.   

    Challenge 5: Sustainability  

    We are eligible

  • costsinterested ofin contractualproposals research,that knowledgeaim andto patensincrease boughtthe economic or licensedenvironmental fromsustainability outsideof sourcestree atproduction arm’spractices. lengthProjects conditions,might asexplore wellmeans to enhance the efficiency of production by developing new ways to reduce or manage inputs, such as consultancywater, andpeat equivalentor servicessingle useduse exclusivelyplastics.

    Applicants forlooking theto project

  • materials,develop suppliesalternatives andto similarinputs productsshould usedclearly outline in their application how their project is specifically tailored for domestic tree production and consider the project
  • travelscalability of raw materials used.   

    Challenge 6: Weather  

    The UK is experiencing changes to its climate, which are expected to intensify in future years. This includes warmer temperatures and subsistencemore specificallyextreme weather events, such as flooding and drought.

    These changes and extremes in weather pose a risk to tree production, which can be difficult for TPIF-relatedgrowers grantto activities,manage carriedand outmitigate. To address this challenge, we welcome projects exploring solutions to ensure tree production is resilient to changes in climate. For example, by developing tools that reduce the mostsusceptibility economicallyof growers to drought and sustainableextreme wayweather possible

  events.    

  Challenge 7: Biosecurity   

  *PersonnelBiosecurity ratesand mayimplementation includeof overheadsthe thatPlant directlyHealthy impactCertification andScheme supportunderpin the projectproduction butof cannothigh-quality betree identifiedplanting asstock. Plant Healthy Certification will increasingly be a directrequirement cost.of planting stock used in government-funded tree planting schemes. 

  DirectProjects costsmight explore the use of novel technologies or processes that help growers to achieve biosecurity standards or encourage wider uptake of best practice.   

  Challenge 8: Tree establishment  

  We are expensesinterested to hear from applicants looking to develop innovative approaches that canimprove beestablishment clearlyand survival rates of nursery stock at the point of planting in the wider environment.

  To reach maturity, trees in both forestry and exclusivelyurban linkedcontexts are required to deliveringwithstand pressures including climatic stresses, pests and diseases. We welcome proposals that aim to enhance the project.resilience Theyof mustnewly beplanted attributabletrees and saplings. For example, projects may seek to enhance our understanding of the role of soil health, nutrition or mycorrhiza in tree growth and establishment.   

  Funding available 

  Up to £1.5 million in capital grant funding is available through TPIF for 2025/26. 

  You can apply for proposals spanning up to 3 financial years (up to March 2028), but you must clearly define which outputs will be delivered by March 2026. 

  Proposals, whether single or multi-year, must have a minimum total cost of £20,000. Projects may not exceed £200,000 in any given financial year. 

  Eligible costs

  Eligible costs include: 

  Personnel costs

  You can claim for researchers and supporting staff employed on the project. Personnel rates can include overheads that will be incurred because of undertaking the project.

  When calculating overheads, bear in mind that TPIF is a competitive process. Your project and associated costs will be assessed against applications from other organisations.

  Equipment for the period of the project

  CostsWhere thatequipment areis not eligible:used for its full life, only the depreciation costs corresponding to the life of the project is eligible.

  • overhead

    Research, consultancy, patents etc.

    You can claim for contractual research, knowledge and patents bought or licensed from outside sources at arm’s-length conditions. This can include costs thatof willconsultancy and equivalent services used exclusively for the project.

    Travel and subsistence

    You can only claim travel and subsistence specifically for TPIF related grant activities.

    Travel and subsistence must be carried out in the most economical and sustainable way possible.

    Materials

    You can claim for materials, supplies and similar products used specifically for the project.

    Ineligible costs

    We cannot fund: 

    • overheads not directlyattributed impactto orstaff supportemployed on the projectproject  
    • costs incurred outside of the funding periodperiod 
    • depreciation of costs for equipment purchased outside of the funding periodperiod 
    • subscription or license fees extending beyond the funding periodperiod 
    • costs involved in preparing your applicationapplication 
    • costs currently being met by another grant schemescheme 

    HowProject to apply  eligibility 

    SubmitTo be eligible for funding, your applicationproject must: 

    • contribute to tpif@forestrycommission.gov.ukenhancing quantity, quality and/or diversity of trees produced for planting in England by meeting one of our challenges  
    • be environmentally sustainable  
    • not pose a risk to biosecurity  
    • be led by 11:55pma onUK 29based Julybusiness, 2026.sole trader or organisation 
    • have intended outcomes applicable to tree production in England (but not necessarily exclusively so) 
    • be relevant to species with forestry potential (but not necessarily exclusively so) 
    • not have started before funding is approved 
    • be limited to pre-commercial activity 

    All eligibility criteria are fully described in the TPIF application form. 

    See previous projects funded by TPIF 

    TPIF has supported a range of projects, many of which completed in March 2025. Read about projects which were previously awarded funding: 

    •  TPIF: 2023 successful projects 
    •  TPIF: 2022 successful projects  
    • Tree and seed production case studies
    • TPIF: 2022 successful applicants (blog) 

    How to apply  

    The Tree Production Innovation Fund is currently closed for new applications.

    You need to email us a completed:

    • application form
    • finance spreadsheet
    • project timeline
    • evidence of financial viability (if(when applicable)

    FindGo to the TPIF application form page where you’ll find these forms and further guidance on how to complete the application form.

    JoinWatch ourthe ‘TPIF how to applyapply’ webinar recording for detailed information on how to complete and submit your application documents:

    Watch the video: TPIF webinarhow to apply

    There onis 18no Junelimit 2026.to the number of bids an applicant can submit, provided each application is for a discrete and unique project. 

    If you need to amend your application before the published deadline or withdraw your application at any time, email tpif@forestrycommission.gov.uk.

    This is a competitive grant so it’s possible that not all eligible applications will be funded. 

    Grant agreements are likely to be issued in August/September 2025. You should consider this when writing your application. Any activities and outputs due to complete by March 2026 should be achievable within the resulting timeframe.  

    Application form

    In your application form, you need to provide details about your organisation and your proposed project. You must also provide written responses to 8 assessed questions, which will be scored by the TPIF evaluation panel. 

    AfterFinance spreadsheet

    In your finance spreadsheet, you haveshould itemise project costs and funding applied for. All costs and financial details should be in £ Sterling and should be exclusive of any recoverable VAT. 

    Project timeline

    You must submit a project timeline with your application. When preparing this, give sufficient time for setting up the project and preparing reports for each of the relevant deadlines. In some cases, we will not be able to issue a grant agreement until you have responded to panel requests, which can take several weeks. You should add contingency for this scenario. 

    Evidence of financial viability

    If you are a local authority, university or public body, you may need to submit evidence of financial viability with your application. Check how to complete your TPIF application for details. 

    Assessment process 

    All eligible applications will be scored by an evaluation panel. Find out more about how applications are assessed. 

    We inwill thenotify you of our TPIF funding applicationdecision formby guidance.Wednesday 21 August 2025. 

    WeThe evaluation panel will lethave youaccess knowto information about the outcomedelivery of yourprevious application.TPIF Wegrant expectagreements you may have held and may use this to issuehelp outcomesscore your application. 

    In addition to the 8 scored questions, each application will be scored on 16overall September‘degree 2026. of innovation’, which will be weighted at 10%. If your application scores 0 for any of the scored questions or ‘degree of innovation’ or scores less than 20/40 overall, once the panel scores have been collated, it will be unsuccessful. 

    How

    If paymentsthe work

    panel needs more information, we may issue an ‘offer in principle’ and give you 2 weeks to respond. Your response will help us to decide whether to offer you a funding agreement.  

    If your application is successful, you will be issued with a ‘grant agreement’. You canmust not begin your project until you have signed your agreement and returned it to the Forestry Commission. Expenditure outside of the funding period will not be eligible to claim upback. 

    Knowledge transfer and exchange  

    We are hosting a series of knowledge exchange and transfer events to 4facilitate timescollaboration perand financialpromote year:sharing inof findings between TPIF projects and to the wider sector.

    If your application is successful, a representative from your organisation will be required to attend and present at the following events:   

    1. TPIF project introductions and networking: 2pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 15 October (interim),2025.
    2. TPIF knowledge exchange (2026 date and time to be confirmed).  
    3. TPIF knowledge transfer (date and time to be confirmed).

    Reporting and payments 

    Grant holders are required to complete and submit reports throughout the grant funding period. These reports will detail achievements against stated outcomes and outputs, lessons learnt and any need for further development.

    The first project report is due on 27 March 2026 (end of year)year report).

    Find out more about how to make a claim and 2submit furtherreports.

    Biannual datesreporting is required in subsequent financial years for projects in receipt of yourmulti-year choice.funding. ThereAn isend noof interimyear claimclaims and reporting deadline forof applications27 March will apply at the end of each financial year.

    Interim reports are due on 7 October in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial yearyears. 2026-27. 

    YouMulti-year mustagreements havewill receivedbe subject to an itemannual performance monitoring review by the Forestry Commission. Where agreement holders are failing to deliver against agreed outputs and objectives, or completedit abecomes piececlear that avenues of workresearch beforeare youno canlonger claimworth forpursuing, it.multi-year Theagreements deadlinemay forbe claimsterminated inat eachthe financialdiscretion yearof the Forestry Commission. 

    Funding beyond March 2026 is 27subject March.to the next government spending review. If future funding is not secured (for financial years 2026/27 and 2027/28) we will terminate multi-year agreements at the end of 2025/26 by providing at least 1 months’ notice to agreement holders.

    We will pay claims in arrears by BACS transfer following receipt of completed claim forms. Payment of the claim will be made within 22 working days of us approving your claim. All claims must be supported by evidence of eligible expenditure (for example, invoices and timesheets) and, where not accompanied by an interim or end of year report, a progress update to demonstrate that works have been carried out as per the grant agreement.

    Multi-yearItems fundingshould isnot subjectbe topaid annualfor review.by Agreementscash mayand all invoices must be terminatedaddressed ifto future-yearthe budgetsgrant arerecipient notorganisation. 

    Further confirmedinformation 

    The Forestry Commission reserves the right to change the deadline for applications or ifmake achanges projectto isthe not‘invitation deliveringto apply’ and the expectedapplication progress,process outputsat short notice.

    The Forestry Commission reserves the right to amend, add to or valuewithdraw forall money.or Thisany includespart situationsof wherethe fundedfunding activitiesapplication doprocess notat startany time during the process. All changes and updates are recorded on time,this wherepage, satisfactoryread progresspage isupdates. notIf beingwe mademake changes to this page after you have applied, we will inform the lead applicant by email for all applications.

    Material changes (for example to the closing date or whereeligibility rules) will also be communicated via the termsForestry ofCommission’s grants and regulations eAlert. 

    Intellectual property shall remain with the grant agreementrecipients, arebut notthe beingscope met.of the project and a summary of the outcomes and outputs shall be made publicly available via trade publications. 

    The grantForestry agreementCommission alsois includesnot standardresponsible termination-for-conveniencefor provisions,any meaninglosses, breakages or injuries incurred by the applicant whilst engaged in activities associated with this Innovation Fund. 

    Neither the Forestry Commission nor its respective advisers, directors, officers, members, partners, employees, other staff or grantagents: 

    1. Makes recipientany mayrepresentation endor warranty (express or implied) as to the agreementaccuracy, atreasonableness, or completeness of this guidance; or 

    2. Accepts any timeresponsibility withfor atthe leastinformation onecontained month’sin writtenthis notice.guidance or for the fairness, accuracy or completeness of that information nor shall any of them be liable for any loss or damage (other than in respect of fraudulent misrepresentation) arising as a result of reliance on such information or any subsequent communication. 

    Contact us

    If you have questions about the the TPIF or or the application process, email us at  tpif@forestrycommission.gov.uk.

    To get the most up to date information on this grant sign up for our eAlert.

    Find out how to to make a complaint or appeal.