Success in forest regeneration depends a great deal on the properties of the seeds and seedlings used. The origin of forest reproductive material must be such that it is suited to the site concerned, besides being healthy and of high quality. The Act on Trade in Forest Reproductive Material requires that information necessary to select suitable forest reproductive material is given to the buyer of seeds and seedlings. The enforcement of the Act is the responsibility of the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira.
The Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) takes care of forest tree breeding as a statuory task in Finland. The achievements of the forest tree breeding work carried out for decades are utilised by using seed produced in seed orchards. The State promotes the production and use of bred forest reproductive material by a State subsidy for the establishment and management of seed seed orchards.
Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira
Finnish Forest Tree Breeding