The five-year Value to Wood program initiated by Natural Resources Canada in May 2002 has a strong Research component which brings together specialists from five leading wood research organisations across Canada. The goal of this partnership is to enhance the development of new knowledge and technology in support of Canadian value-added wood product manufacturers.

This nationally co-ordinated R&D effort is addressing industry issues under five distinct yet complementary areas. Specific research projects currently underway are listed under each of these key research areas:

• Appearance Wood Products



• Engineered Wood Products



• Manufactured Buildings & Components



• Structural & Non-structural Panels



• Structural Wood Products

To maximize benefits for Canadian wood product manufacturers, the initiative is drawing from the wide array of competencies and capabilities available in five wood research organisations across Canada:

• FPInnovations – Forintek Division
  Canada's national wood products research institute.
  
  
• Laval University
  Centre de recherche sur le bois.
  
  
• University of British Columbia
  Department of Wood Science & Centre for Advanced Wood Processing
  
  
• University of New Brunswick
  Wood Science et Technology Centre.
  
  
• University of Toronto
  Natural Fibre Science Group.
  
  

This R&D effort is guided by a Research Advisory Committee composed of representatives selected from wood product manufacturing companies of all sizes, product types and regions across Canada. In providing strategic guidance, the Committee identifies research needs, reviews research proposals and recommends funding for those most likely to result in improved competitiveness and profitability for the Canadian value-added wood product industry.

All Canadian wood product manufacturers (please register first) can suggest a research topic for consideration by the Committee.