Deadline: 29-Jul-2026
The Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF) is a competitive UK grant programme supporting innovative projects that improve domestic tree production in England. It funds pre-commercial research and development to enhance productivity, genetic diversity, and climate resilience of trees, with grants ranging from £20,000 to £200,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Overview of the TPIF
The Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF) supports innovation in domestic tree production systems across England. It is designed to overcome barriers in the forestry and nursery sector by encouraging new technologies, improved practices, and sustainable production methods.
The programme contributes to the UK government’s long-term goal of increasing tree and woodland cover in England to 16.5% by 2050. It also complements other initiatives such as the Tree Production Capital Grant and Seed Sourcing Grant.
Key Objectives of TPIF
The fund focuses on strengthening the long-term resilience and sustainability of the tree production sector.
Key objectives include:
- Improving productivity and efficiency in tree production systems
- Enhancing the quality of seeds and trees produced
- Increasing genetic diversity across tree species and provenances
- Building climate-resilient treescapes
- Strengthening resistance to pests and diseases
- Supporting innovation in forestry and nursery practices
- Advancing pre-commercial research and development
Funding Structure and Project Scope
TPIF provides structured financial support for innovation-focused projects in tree production.
- Minimum project cost: £20,000 per financial year
- Maximum project cost: £200,000 per financial year
- Project duration: Up to 3 financial years
- All project activities must be completed by 27 March 2029
- Multiple applications are allowed if each is for a distinct project
- Only pre-commercial activities are eligible
Projects must demonstrate clear innovation, environmental sustainability, and relevance to tree production in England.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to a wide range of organisations involved in forestry, horticulture, and innovation.
Eligible applicants include:
- Private sector tree nurseries
- Seed suppliers and forestry businesses
- Research institutes and universities
- Colleges and academic organisations
- Horticultural and agricultural growers
- Technology and innovation suppliers
- Consortia and collaborative partnerships
- New entrants to the tree production sector
- Public sector bodies (only in partnership with private sector organisations)
- UK-based businesses, organisations, and sole traders (must act as lead applicant)
Project Requirements
To qualify for funding, projects must meet specific criteria aligned with TPIF goals.
Projects must:
- Demonstrate clear innovation in tree production methods
- Address at least one identified TPIF challenge
- Focus on species relevant to UK forestry potential
- Support environmental sustainability
- Avoid any biosecurity risks
- Be pre-commercial in nature
- Begin only after funding approval
Eligible Costs
TPIF supports direct and clearly justified project-related costs.
Eligible expenses include:
- Personnel and staff costs directly involved in the project
- Direct project overheads
- Equipment depreciation for project use
- Contracted research and consultancy services
- Materials and consumables
- Travel and subsistence directly related to project work
All costs must be strictly linked to approved project activities.
Strategic Importance of TPIF
The fund plays an important role in strengthening England’s forestry and environmental strategy.
It contributes to:
- Expansion of national tree cover
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Improved biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
- Development of sustainable forestry supply chains
- Innovation in domestic tree production systems
Application and Project Conditions
Applicants must ensure compliance with programme rules and timelines.
- Each application must describe a unique project
- Projects must not begin before approval is granted
- All outputs must be delivered within approved timelines
- Environmental and biosecurity compliance is mandatory
- Projects must remain within pre-commercial boundaries
Conclusion
The Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF) supports innovative, sustainable, and pre-commercial projects that enhance tree production in England. By funding research and innovation in seed sourcing, nursery practices, and climate resilience, the programme strengthens the UK’s forestry sector and supports long-term environmental and ecological goals.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
