Three professors and researchers from the Northeast Forestry University in Harbin, China visited the Mediterranean stone pinecone collection of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture at the National Centre for Forest Genetic Resources, El Serranillo. During their tour on 16 September, the visitors also explored natural mixed stone pine and holm oak forests near Madrid.
The visit took place in the framework of IUFRO research group RG1.08 on silviculture for the production of edible fruits, and offered an opportunity to compare genetic improvement programmes and forest management practices for pines with edible seeds in China (Pinus koraiensis) and Spain (Pinus pinea).
The European Thematic Network INCREDIBLE on Mediterranean Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP), led by EFI, is fostering the international spread and exchange of knowledge and innovation in NWFP sectors. ‘Innovation Networks of Cork, Resins and Edibles in the Mediterranean basin’ (INCREDIBLE) is a 3-year project with funding from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme.
