In early 2023, The Steering Group constructed a new list of objectives referred to as ‘Strategic Priorities’. This replaces the ‘Action Plan’ published at the launch of National Tree Improvement Strategy in May 2017.
The original ‘Action Plan’ was proving hard to implement due to NTIS being unable to generate sources of funding to address particular problems. However, NTIS was finding its strength in bringing organisations together to discuss problems and then pursue existing or anticipated funding streams.
The ‘Strategic Priorities’ is effectively a list of objectives relating to all aspects of tree breeding and genetic conservation. The list acknowledges the need to:
(1) Continue existing tree breeding programmes,
(2) Establish breeding programmes for new species according to the impact of new diseases and climate change.
(3) The need to promote existing improved planting stock to maximise returns
(4) Investigate the potential for new traits (e.g. biomass) and techniques (e.g. tissue culture)
(5) Maintain good adaptation of planting stock and good genetic diversity
(6) Maintain a good infrastructure relating to existing trials (e.g.trail locations in the public domain)
(7) Keep tree breeding knowledge and outputs open and accessible to all
(8) Ensure good communication between NTIS, government, funders and the public
The list also gives details of the main NTIS Steering Group members currently working on the various different objectives.
The current list of ‘Strategic Priorities’ is correct as of January 2023 and will be reviewed once a year.
