Markets Matter Convening

Aligning Investment in Markets to Support Forests and Rural Prosperity

Healthy forests require healthy industry, and healthy industry depends on viable markets.

Markets Matter National Action Plan

Why Markets Matter

Healthy forests depend on healthy markets.

Across the United States, working forests provide wood products, support rural economies, and deliver a wide range of environmental benefits. These forests depend on strong and reliable markets that create demand for wood fiber and support the businesses, landowners, and communities connected to the forest sector.

Recognizing the importance of these markets, the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities launched the Markets Matter Convening to bring together leaders from across the forest sector to identify opportunities, address challenges, and advance practical solutions that strengthen forest product markets.

The Convening

In May 2026, the Markets Matter Convening brought together more than 230 leaders representing industry, investment, Tribes, government, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations to discuss opportunities and challenges facing forest product markets.

Participants explored strategies for strengthening markets, increasing utilization of wood fiber, and creating new opportunities for underutilized forest resources. Key discussion topics included:

Small-diameter wood
Manufacturing residuals
Forest residues
Underutilized wood fiber

Emerging forest products
Rural manufacturing and infrastructure
Investment and financing opportunities
Workforce and supply chain challenges

Continuing the Work

The Markets Matter Convening marked an important step in a broader effort to strengthen markets for forest products and increase utilization of wood fiber.

Input from participants informed the development of The Markets Matter Action Plan focused on advancing market opportunities for underutilized forest resources. As this work continues, the Endowment remains committed to working with partners across industry, government, Tribes, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations to identify practical solutions that support healthy forests, strong markets, and thriving communities.

The relationships, ideas, and priorities identified through the convening continue to guide ongoing collaboration and market development efforts aimed at creating lasting impact for forests and forest-dependent communities.