Salvaterra de Magos, 6 December 2024 (Público) – Público reported on the maritime pine genetic improvement project presented by ICNF and partner organisations, which seeks to increase resin production in Portugal.
Genetics as a tool
The project relies on the genetic improvement of maritime pine to maximise resin production, at a time when the sector is seeking to recover. National production fell from around 149 thousand tonnes in 1974 to around six thousand tonnes today.
Natural Resin is presented as part of the bioeconomy, as an alternative to petroleum-derived synthetic resins, with a valued niche in Europe.
Originally published in Público.