Our Objectives

The founding aims of the Conifer Breeding Co-operative (previously the Sitka Spruce Breeding Co-operative) were to maintain supply of improved vegetatively propagated Sitka Spruce resource for growers and to continue the valuable breeding programme undertaken by The Forestry Commission over many decades. 

In the last five years the CBC has broadened it focus to encompass the selection and improvement of Norway spruce,  Douglas fir, and Scots pine, three commercially important conifers with a key role in diversifying existing upland forests and as a component of economically viable lowland woodlands. Our work seeks to improve yield and timber quality whilst also focussing on resilience by ensuring good genetic diversity is present in breeding populations.