GO PLANFORLAB. Network of laboratory forests with improved plants to increase resilience and production in conifer forests 

PLANFORLAB is an Operational Group whose objective is to improve the health and productivity of conifer forests through innovations in genetic material (Forest Reproductive Material, MFR) and adaptive silviculture practices. Using the concept of laboratory forests, the project seeks to strengthen forest resistance against pests, diseases, and climate change, benefiting timber producers. 

The project focuses on the development of improved plants of Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata, and Pinus sylvestris, using innovative genetic material. Additionally, PLANFORLAB will create a digital network to exchange experiences and results on genetic improvement and strategies against forest pathologies. The project aligns with the objectives of the European Innovation Partnership (AEI-agri), promoting sustainability, climate change adaptation, and competitiveness in the forestry sector. 

The main objective of the PLANFORLAB project is to develop new improved forest plants and optimize the sustainable management of conifer forests. This will be achieved through the creation of resilient models against diseases and climate change. The specific objectives include: 

1. Creating a network of laboratory forests that allows scientists and forest managers to observe and monitor the behavior of Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata, and Pinus sylvestris against pathologies and climate change.
2. Implementing innovative technologies for the production of improved forest plants through collaboration between nurseries and research centers.
3. Enhancing prevention and control of forest pathologies by using genetically improved plants, harmonizing monitoring methodologies, and promoting the use of high genetic quality plants in reforestation.
4. Creating a digital collaboration network to share data and results among stakeholders and potential beneficiaries of the project.

This project aims to strengthen the resilience of conifer forests and promote their long-term economic sustainability. 

The expected results of the PLANFORLAB project are: 

1. Establishment of three laboratory forests, one in each participating autonomous community: Castilla y León, Galicia, and the Basque Country, with the design of innovative silvicultural models for Pinus pinaster, Pinus sylvestris, and Pinus radiata, aimed at reducing pathology risks and improving resilience to climate change.
2. Production of improved reproductive material (sexual and vegetative) of the mentioned species to be installed in the laboratory forests, using silvicultural models and the material generated for trials in controlled greenhouse conditions.
3. Installation of trial and demonstration plots in the laboratory forests, each covering a minimum of 2 hectares, allowing data comparison and evaluation of reproductive material resistance to pathogens.
4. Creation of a digital monitoring network that will facilitate access to data on the laboratory forests and trial plots, promoting dissemination of results to foresters, service companies, nurseries, and other stakeholders.

Consult the project information brochure in: Spanish / English 

Check the project activities in: Spanish / English 

Operational Groups, key actors in the implementation of AEI-Agri (European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability), are one of the main tools for executing the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) 2023-2027 to boost innovation in the agri-food and forestry sectors within Europe. They bring together agents with diverse profiles but common interests, such as farmers, livestock breeders, companies, research centers, and training and outreach organizations, to launch an innovation project aimed at providing a joint, multisectoral response to a problem or need. 

This innovation project is framed within the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) 2023-2027, funded 80% by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (FEADER) of the European Union and 20% by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). The Directorate General for Rural Development, Innovation and Agri-food Training (DGDRIFA) is the authority responsible for managing these grants. 

 Total project budget: €599,134.24; Total grant: €599,134.24.