EAFRD — Investment Support for Sawmills
Purpose of the scheme: support all investments by primary wood-processing companies, with an incentive for projects that add value to wood (drying, finger-jointing, gluing) and those that make better use of hardwoods; modernise sawmills’ production equipment, add value to raw timber by drying, planing or treatment to adapt to local resources, and develop production equipment to supply secondary processing. Beneficiaries indicated in the catalogue: SMEs carrying out mainly (over 50%) primary wood processing. Not eligible: agricultural equipment cooperatives (CUMA), wood-energy producers and secondary wood-processing companies. Financial parameters in the catalogue: a grant covering 10% of the accepted eligible cost base for medium-sized companies and 20% for small companies. The rate can be increased by 10 points for micro-businesses (EU definition: fewer than 10 employees and revenue or balance sheet below €2 million), by 10 points for drying, finger-jointing and/or gluing equipment, or by 20 points for companies mainly (over 50%) processing hardwood timber. These increases cannot be combined. Availability and current rules must be confirmed before applying.
The scheme “EAFRD – investment aid for sawmills” is listed as a local (regional) scheme. The catalogue describes its purpose as follows: support all investments by primary wood-processing companies, with an incentive for projects that add value to wood (drying, finger-jointing, gluing) and those that make better use of hardwoods; modernise sawmills’ production equipment, add value to raw timber by drying, planing or treatment to adapt to local resources, and develop production equipment to supply secondary processing. It is EU funding managed through a regional programme and call. Before relying on it, check the criteria, amount and steps in the official source applicable to your area and situation.
Funded by Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Union Européenne-FEADER
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Who can apply
Beneficiaries indicated in the catalogue: SMEs carrying out mainly (over 50%) primary wood processing. Not eligible: agricultural equipment cooperatives (CUMA), wood-energy producers and secondary wood-processing companies. Check the legal form, activity, area and any exclusions in the official rules.
Eligibility conditions
Conditions available in the catalogue: the beneficiary must hold environmental certification guaranteeing that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests (PEFC, FSC or equivalent) when the company owns the logs processed; belong to a collective initiative linked to the forestry-wood sector (interprofessional body or equivalent); and make the investments before 30 June 2028. Projects must have accepted eligible costs above €5,000 excluding VAT, up to a limit of €1,000,000 excluding VAT. For projects requiring a declaration, registration or authorisation as a classified installation (ICPE), the applicant must show at least that the authorisation request has been filed when applying for aid; to be eligible, the application must contain the regulatory authorisations before it goes to the selection committee. These are not enough to confirm eligibility. Check the current year’s conditions, exclusions, combination rules and any requirement to apply before committing.
What the scheme covers
Operations or benefits listed: equipment and machinery for the production tools of primary wood-processing companies; equipment for adding value to sawn timber; equipment for adding value to by-products of wood processing; studies prior to equipment investment, up to 12% of the cost of eligible equipment excluding VAT; investments directly needed to operate the equipment (specific masonry, electrical connection, etc.), up to 30% of the cost of eligible equipment excluding VAT. Equipment may also be second-hand. Not eligible: handling equipment not specific to wood; extraction systems; equipment acquired through leasing; software training; property other than masonry specific to operating the equipment. Check each category of cost or benefit, and the exclusions and supporting documents, before starting the project.
Amount and funding terms
The catalogue states: a grant covering 10% of the accepted eligible cost base for medium-sized companies and 20% for small companies. The rate can be increased by 10 points for micro-businesses (EU definition: fewer than 10 employees and revenue or balance sheet below €2 million), by 10 points for drying, finger-jointing and/or gluing equipment, or by 20 points for companies mainly (over 50%) processing hardwood timber. These increases cannot be combined. This figure must be checked: it is neither a promise of award nor confirmation of the scale currently open.
How to apply
1) Identify the funding body and the rules in force. 2) Confirm legal, sector and geographical eligibility. 3) Check the cost base, rate/cap, combination rules and deadline. 4) Submit the required documents on time and keep the acknowledgement of receipt. Do not commit costs before confirmation where the scheme requires prior application. Confirm that the call is open, the current version of the rules, the applicable costs and rate, and the deadline.
Timeline
No reliable end date is given in the catalogue. The call timetable, application deadline and available budget must be confirmed with the operator. The official document describes support for investment by primary wood-processing companies and excludes in particular CUMAs, wood-energy production and secondary processing. The programme document dated December 2025 must be checked against the version and call applicable when you apply.
Key facts
- Funder
- Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Union Européenne-FEADER
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Ongoing
- Funding rate
- 20%
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Geographic scope
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Frequently asked questions
What is the “EAFRD – investment aid for sawmills” scheme for?
According to the catalogue, its aim is to support all investments by primary wood-processing companies, with an incentive for projects that add value to wood (drying, finger-jointing, gluing) and those that make better use of hardwoods; modernise sawmills’ production equipment, add value to raw timber by drying, planing or treatment to adapt to local resources, and develop production equipment to supply secondary processing. It is EU funding managed through a regional programme and call.
Who can benefit and what are the exclusions?
The catalogue mentions: SMEs carrying out mainly (over 50%) primary wood processing. Not eligible: agricultural equipment cooperatives (CUMA), wood-energy producers and secondary wood-processing companies. Eligibility depends on legal form, activity, area, combination rules and the current rules.
What amount or benefit is provided?
A grant covering 10% of the accepted eligible cost base for medium-sized companies and 20% for small companies. The rate can be increased by 10 points for micro-businesses (EU definition: fewer than 10 employees and revenue or balance sheet below €2 million), by 10 points for drying, finger-jointing and/or gluing equipment, or by 20 points for companies mainly (over 50%) processing hardwood timber. These increases cannot be combined. Check this in the official source for the relevant edition and area; the amount actually granted depends on the review.
What deadline and steps should I plan for?
No reliable end date is given in the catalogue. The call timetable, application deadline and available budget must be confirmed with the operator. The official document describes support for investment by primary wood-processing companies and excludes in particular CUMAs, wood-energy production and secondary processing. The programme document dated December 2025 must be checked against the version and call applicable when you apply.
Official source
No official URL is available in our data for this grant.
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