Support Scheme Approved for Investments in Forestry Technologies and Product Transformation

Order No. 440/2026 from the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries has been published, establishing the implementation regime for Intervention F.2.5 - "Support for investments in forestry technologies and the processing and marketing of forest products" under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (PEPAC R.A. Madeira). This intervention aims to contribute to climate change mitigation and promote employment, growth, and social inclusion in rural areas, including the circular bioeconomy.

Eligible beneficiaries include holders and managers of forest areas, producer groups, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) whose main activity falls within the forestry, logging, extraction of forest products, forest support services, sawmilling, and wood impregnation sectors (according to CAE codes listed in the order's annex).

The support is granted as a non-repayable subsidy, with a support rate of 70% for private entities and 80% for public entities. Eligible expenses include:

• Investments to improve the economic value of forests, including stand conversion and acquisition of specific forestry equipment.
• Acquisition of machinery, equipment, and vehicles for transporting wood material.
• Investments in harvesting machinery and installation of small forest nurseries.
• Diversification of activities in forest areas (beekeeping, fish farming, production of aromatic plants, mushrooms).
• Diversification of activities in wood harvesting and processing companies, including small-scale valorisation of by-products.

Applications must demonstrate the economic and financial viability of the project and its contribution to increasing the value of forest products. The application process will be conducted electronically, based on forthcoming notices, and projects must be executed within a maximum period of 24 months.