Deadline: 08-Jul-2026
The Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG) is a UK government funding programme supporting tree nurseries and seed suppliers to modernise and expand production capacity. It offers up to 50% of eligible costs, with grants up to £175,000, to improve tree quality, biosecurity, mechanisation, and supply chains to support England’s 2050 tree cover target of 16.5%.
Overview of the Programme
The Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG) is a competitive funding scheme designed to strengthen the UK’s domestic tree production sector. It supports capital investments that improve the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of tree nurseries and seed suppliers.
The programme ensures a stable supply of high-quality, biosecure trees and seeds needed to meet national woodland expansion and climate resilience goals.
Programme Objectives
The grant is designed to modernise the UK tree production system and support long-term environmental targets.
Key objectives include:
- Increasing productivity and efficiency in tree nurseries and seed production
- Expanding supply of high-quality and genetically diverse planting material
- Strengthening biosecurity against pests and diseases
- Enhancing climate resilience of tree production systems
- Supporting expansion of tree and woodland cover in England
- Improving domestic supply chains for trees and seeds
- Encouraging automation and mechanisation in nursery operations
- Supporting sustainable and scalable production infrastructure
Funding Details
The programme provides capital funding support for eligible projects.
- Funding coverage: up to 50% of eligible project costs
- Maximum grant value: £175,000
- Minimum project value: £10,000
- Funding period: 2026–27 and 2027–28 financial years
- Projects may span one or both funding years
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to UK-based organisations involved in tree and seed production.
Eligible applicants include:
- Forest nurseries
- Fruit and nut tree producers
- Amenity tree producers
- Rootstock producers
- Tree seed suppliers
- Community and charity nurseries
- Public sector nurseries
- Horticultural new entrants with relevant supply experience
Applicant requirements:
- Must be based in the United Kingdom
- Must currently supply or intend to supply trees or tree seed to England
- Must have prior experience in plant or seed production or supply (commercial or non-profit)
Eligible Trees and Production Scope
The grant supports tree production for planting purposes in the UK.
Key conditions include:
- Trees must be propagated and grown within the UK
- Christmas tree production is not eligible
- Applicants purchasing plants to grow on must identify plant sources
- Focus is on trees intended for forestry, environmental, and planting schemes
Eligible Capital Investments
The programme funds infrastructure and equipment that improves production systems.
Eligible investments include:
- Nursery machinery (e.g., transplanting and grading systems)
- Polytunnels and nursery infrastructure
- Irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting systems
- Packing sheds and cold storage facilities
- Biosecurity improvements (water treatment, refrigeration systems)
- Seed processing and storage infrastructure
- Nursery management and production software
- Long-life trays and cultivation systems
- Automation and mechanisation technologies
Programme Alignment
The TPCG supports broader UK environmental and forestry strategies.
It complements:
- Tree Production Innovation Fund (research and innovation in tree production)
- Seed Sourcing Grant (improving seed quality and diversity)
- National target to increase tree and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050
Importance of the Programme
The grant plays a key role in strengthening the UK’s forestry sector by:
- Securing long-term supply of trees and seeds
- Improving resilience against climate change and pests
- Enhancing domestic production capacity
- Supporting sustainable woodland expansion
- Encouraging modern, efficient nursery systems
- Strengthening environmental and biodiversity outcomes
Conclusion
The Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG) is a strategic UK funding programme that supports the modernization of tree nurseries and seed suppliers. By funding infrastructure, mechanisation, and biosecurity improvements, it strengthens domestic tree production capacity and supports national goals for woodland expansion, climate resilience, and biodiversity enhancement.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
