Dehradun, India — The ISF Tree & Shrub (TAS) Working Group held its Annual Meeting on 26 to 28 August 2025 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Hosted by ISF member Horticultural Impex, around 20 participants had the opportunity to experience the region’s rich forest biodiversity while visiting the Indian Forest Research Institute and engaging in discussions on key issues for both the private and public sectors.
The TAS Group, established in 1964, reflects the longstanding cooperation among members engaged in the global tree seed industry. Today, the group brings together 21 members from 16 countries.
On the Agenda
The agenda of this year’s meeting included exchanges with ISF experts on phytosanitary requirements to ensure the supply of quality, sufficiently healthy seeds. International partners, such as the OECD and ISTA, also contributed to discussions on forest reproductive planting materials, seed testing standards, and certification schemes, all of which are crucial to facilitating global trade, exchange, and movement of tree seeds and seedlings.
Broader topics were also explored, including new breeding techniques for forest trees to adapt to changing growing conditions, the application of technologies such as drones for seed collection and labor efficiency, and youth engagement in forestry policy dialogues, such as those at FAO’s Committee on Forestry (COFO). The group emphasized the importance of communicating more effectively about the positive contributions of the tree seed sector to sustainable forest development, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, ensuring the innovative and efficient use of forest genetic resources.
New Leadership
During the meeting, the group elected new leadership for the next two years:
- Chair: Mr. Remko Boevé (Netherlands)
- Vice-Chair: Mrs. Johanna Gårdebrink (Sweden)
The next ISF Tree & Shrub Working Group Annual Meeting will take place in Spain in September 2026.
For more information on this activity, please get in touch with Ben Rivoire from the ISF Secretariat.
