Modern forestry can produce the wood and paper to meet the needs of the world’s growing population without continued deforestation by growing improved trees in planted working forests. By conserving native forests for future generations, we can realize the promise and potential of the world’s forests.



In the future, the world will see a shift from a petroleum-based hydrocarbon economy to a renewable carbohydrate economy where products made from trees will play an important role. Our present focus on biofuels is only the beginning.

As petroleum-based resources become ever more scarce and costly, the world will increasingly rely on production forests as a resource for sustainable and renewable products and materials, including meeting increasing global demand for lumber and paper products.

Through the application of improved genetics and biotechnology, ArborGen is exploring new and exciting discoveries that will allow development of high value wood-based products, including bioenergy. These products include many next generation renewable materials like bio-based plastics, building materials, fibers, and composites that can benefit new environmentally-friendly industries and consumers.


In addition to bio-materials, trees have the potential to offer many environmentally friendly benefits to consumers. Wood can be produced that is naturally resistant to termites, avoiding the costly damage associated with these pests, and trees can be used for bioremediation to clean up toxic chemical spills and reclaim these areas for future use.


Production forests provide habitat for wildlife and help clean the air by removing carbon dioxide and replenishing the earth’s oxygen supply. Trees help minimize erosion and create a productive use for land unsuitable for other agricultural uses, offering farmers a high value alternative to other marginal crops.

ArborGen is committed to developing sustainable and renewable solutions from modern production forests.