1. Developing the Scots pine resource
Aim: to encourage greater use of Scots pine in higher value markets as a basis for supporting forestry related businesses
Four main elements:
identify new opportunities for Scots pine use;
product innovation and demonstration;
develop new resource assessment and pricing tools;
develop forest management guidance.

2. Developing an NPP project things to think about
Project aims
Partnership
Completing the application
Rules
Finance
Final thoughts

3. Aims ? Need to clearly define the WHAT you are trying to address.
Need to be thorough, otherwise your project could grow legs all over the place!
Research work that has already been done – not reinventing the wheel.

4. Partners
Establishing a partnership takes time – 6 months as opposed to six weeks.
Needs to be the main focus of someone's job
Everyone needs to be singing from the same hymn sheet

5. Application
Answer the question – try to avoid including information that is repeated elsewhere.
Write clearly and succinctly.
Can it be easily understood by a non-expert. Scots pine is not just a Scottish tree!
Consider getting expert assistance in writing the application.

6. Rules Need to be extremely clear on programme rules
Rules evolve – make sure you keep up to date with changes.
On occasions you may need to check local information that partners receive.

7. Finance
Cashflow, particularly if you are a small organisation, when will you receive EU funding - NPP is a retrospective fund.
Vulnerability to exchange rates, effect on budgets, expenditure, match funding commitments etc.

8. Final thoughts Don’t underestimate it
Think about private sector linkages/ engagement (otherwise you will be working in a vacuum) – private sector can only be included as associate partners