$25 Million Hardwood Research Bill Introduced

Two U.S. House representatives have introduced a bill that would call on the Department of Agriculture to step up hardwood research.

The Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act has just been introduced into the House of Representatives by congresspersons Tom Tiffany (WI) and Ann Kuster (NH).

The bill would “bolster domestic industry efforts and research that directly supports end-user information on the benefits of hardwood products.”

The Hardwood Federation, in announcing the news, said “The U.S. hardwood industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry supporting more than 1.8 million jobs, mostly in rural, underserved areas.” Dana Lee Cole, its executive director, said “Although wood products are widely recognized as sustainably produced and have significant carbon storage capacity, public awareness and recognition of these qualities is limited.

“The domestic industry and domestically produced products, including flooring, cabinetry, doors, moldings, railway ties, pallets, and other hardwood building and infrastructure products will benefit greatly from the much needed research and education dollars through the enactment of the Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act.”

The bill would allow non-profit organizations as well as universities and research organizations to utilize up to $25 million over a five-year period to conduct this research. 

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