Home Ecosystem services SMURF launches 2nd cascade funding call to drive forestry innovation in the...

SMURF launches 2nd cascade funding call to drive forestry innovation in the EU

Apply from 9 April to 2 July 2025!

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Photo: SMURF

The European SMURF project launches its second call for cascade funding, targeting small forest owners’ organisations. The aim is to foster innovation, sustainability and new economic opportunities in small-scale forestry. The call has a total budget of €825,000 and will select at least 40 new organisations to implement pilot projects, take part in demonstration initiatives and contribute to more resilient forest management.

Key facts of the call:

  • Opening and closing: 9 April – 2 July 2025
  • Funding per organisation: Up to 60.000 € (55.000 € if they participated in the 1st call)
  • Beneficiaries: Associations, federations, confederations or cooperatives of small forest owners
  • Start of activities: After the signature of the agreement (planned for December 2025)
  • Project duration: Until 31 July 2027
  • Results: 3 October 2025

The selected entities will be able to develop innovative business models, lead demonstration plots of Close-to-Nature Silviculture (CNS), participate in training sessions, implement carbon projects and participate in regional and national working groups. Following the success of its first edition, SMURF aims to consolidate a European network committed to the future of forests.

It’s time to innovate for the forests of tomorrow!

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SMURF Project
The SMURF project, aligned with the EU's Forest Strategy, promotes sustainable forest management through innovative Closer to Nature Sylviculture practices (CNS) and a harmonized European Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) system. By tailoring solutions for small forest properties, SMURF enhances carbon farming, biodiversity, and forest product valorization. With a multidisciplinary approach and diverse stakeholder engagement, SMURF provides holistic sustainability solutions across the forest-based value chain. This project is granted by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) under the Horizon Europe program.