The Institute works for societal, ecological and economic benefits from responsible uses of biotechnology in forests.
The Institute supports the responsible use of biotechnology in forest trees. We advance the societal, environmental, and economic benefits biotechnology can bring to forests around the world. The Institute of Forest Biotechnology (IFB) is the only non-profit organization to address the sustainability of forest biotechnology on a global scale.
Our forests are under pressure from global trade, population growth, invasive threats, and increased demands on natural resources. When used responsibly, biotechnology can be a powerful tool to combat the damaging effects invasive pests and a changing climate has on our forests. The technology can also be used to balance the demands people place on forests. The IFB is focused on accelerating the benefits to society and the environment, while addressing the risks in this burgeoning field.
How can forest biotechnology benefit society?
Improve biofuels: Forest fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, are some of the most energy efficient biofuels today. Biotechnology can increase the sustainability and efficiency of producing renewable forest fuels.
Fight a changing climate: Advanced trees can withstand weather extremes and sequester more carbon to reduce greenhouse gases.
Protect species: Introduced diseases have destroyed the America Chestnut, the Elm, and other trees. Biotechnology is a tool that can bring threatened and endangered species back to forests.
Conserve land: From growing more wood on less land, to rehabilitating degraded soils, forest biotechnology can conserve land.
Grow more wood: Trees provide sustainable products from paper, to building material. The responsible use of biotechnology in forests can more than double wood production and improve wood quality.
Make forests healthier: Biodiversity is one measure of ecosystem health. Forest biotechnologies can be used to increase biodiversity.
Clean up after us: Irresponsible use of technology has put toxic material into our environment. Trees can be engineered to systematically absorb and store these substances for safe disposal.