ProPopulus Team
The BioPoptech project has concluded with outstanding results, establishing itself as a key initiative for the future of the poplar sector in Spain. Throughout its development, it successfully brought together science, forestry, and industry with the goal of revitalizing and modernizing poplar plantations through an innovative, sustainable approach aligned with today’s challenges.
Led by Gonzalo Caballé, head of wood product innovation at Fundación Cesefor’s Wood Industry and Construction division, the project not only aimed to optimize the genetic potential of this highly versatile tree species but also paved the way for a more sustainable, circular, and digitally integrated future for the entire poplar wood value chain.
Strengthening poplar’s competitiveness through knowledge and technology
Launched in January 2023 and funded by the EIP-AGRI program with € 596.571,75, BioPoptech responded to the pressing need to halt the decline of poplar plantations in Spain and strengthen the market competitiveness of their high-tech wood products.
The project was built around two strategic pillars: on the one hand, identifying and characterizing new poplar clones with enhanced technological properties; on the other, integrating digital tools to support decision-making by forest managers, processors, and certification bodies.
Throughout its course, BioPoptech analyzed 17 new clones not yet included in Spain’s National Catalogue of Forest Reproductive Material, assessing their productivity, resilience, and mechanical properties. These were compared against established clones like I-214, Raspalje, and Beaupré, commonly used in Spanish plantations.
One of the key findings was that several of the emerging clones outperformed traditional ones in productivity, resilience, straightness, and processing versatility—crucial traits for products such as plywood.
As Caballé notes, “Given the challenges posed by climate change, having new clones with proven industrial quality opens up new possibilities for poplar growers in Spain.” Currently, he explains, a large portion of national production relies on a limited number of clones, which reduces the genetic diversity of plantations. Introducing new, better-performing varieties under changing conditions—such as water stress or pest pressures—helps diversify and strengthen poplar cultivation, bringing greater resilience and stability to the sector.
From plantation to product: A holistic approach
BioPoptech went far beyond clonal trials. It aimed to build a comprehensive understanding of how genetic, environmental, and silvicultural factors influence the technological quality of poplar wood.
To achieve this, extensive field trials were conducted, integrating soil and climate data with growth metrics and remote sensing information. These inputs were used to develop predictive models that estimate the suitability of each clone for various industrial applications.
These models led to the development of a set of digital tools, including a pilot version of an interactive web viewer (https://visor.gobiopoptech.es/), which enables forest owners and technicians to predict the mechanical properties of wood and select the most suitable clone based on the characteristics of their plot. By simply entering cadastral or geolocation data and soil characteristics, users receive tailored recommendations based on real-world data and machine learning algorithms.
Additionally, the +DERA app developed by Madera Plus incorporates poplar-specific data into its functionality.
The project also assessed the quality of processed products. Tests conducted at Garnica and Fundación Cesefor facilities showed that several new clones outperformed traditional ones in modulus of elasticity and density, two key indicators for structural applications. These results underscore the potential of Spanish-grown poplar as a viable alternative to imported woods.
A broad and strategic alliance
One of BioPoptech’s greatest strengths was its collaborative approach. The operational group was coordinated by Fundación Cesefor and included strategic partners such as Garnica (a global leader in plywood), Bosques y Ríos, AEFCON, Madera+, Föra, and PEFC Spain. The technical and geographic diversity of partners allowed scientific findings to be effectively translated into field-ready solutions.
The project also collaborated with academic institutions like the Universities of Valladolid, Santiago de Compostela, and Granada, and received support from public administrations including the Junta de Castilla y León and the Government of Navarre. It was further backed by FAFCYLE, the Federation of Forest Owners’ Associations of Castilla y León. This wide network of partnerships ensured a comprehensive view of the sector, from poplar biology to structural product requirements, certification mechanisms, and rural development.
Driving sustainable management and the circular economy
BioPoptech’s contributions extended beyond scientific and technological breakthroughs. The project made significant strides toward more sustainable and inclusive poplar management, especially in Castilla y León, where small-scale forest holdings are common.
To facilitate access to forest certification, a simplified PEFC certification system was introduced, tailored to smallholders. By the end of the project, 23 landowners had joined, representing more than 83 certified hectares. This initiative not only adds value to the wood but also encourages replanting and responsible forest resource use. Details on how to access the simplified certification program are available on the project website.
Another noteworthy development was the launch of the “Thanks to Poplar” (Merci Le Peuplier) compensation system, inspired by French models. This voluntary mechanism connects processors and certification bodies with landowners committed to replanting after harvesting, ensuring value chain continuity and promoting a regenerative approach that benefits rural economies and biodiversity.
Outreach, tools, and tangible results
Throughout its two-year lifespan, BioPoptech prioritized direct engagement with the forestry sector. Three major outreach events were held—in León (2023), La Rioja (2024), and the final conference in 2025—bringing together growers, technicians, researchers, and industry representatives.
These events featured technical presentations, field visits, and hands-on demonstrations. “The sessions were a real success, and we achieved one of our key objectives: transferring knowledge to poplar growers,” says Caballé.
Among the project’s technical outputs is a 103-page manual, divided into six downloadable chapters, covering topics from market outlook and clonal characterization to digital applications and certification mechanisms.
Additionally, all the tools developed during the project—including the “Thanks to Poplar” platform, the web viewer, and the simplified PEFC certification system—will remain openly and freely available. The +DERA app is also available, though not as an open-access or free tool.
Together, these resources simplify decision-making for producers and offer a solid scientific foundation to support long-term investment in poplar cultivation.
A forward-looking project
Beyond its scientific and technological outcomes, BioPoptech has made a structural impact on Spain’s poplar sector. It has shown that innovation, sustainability, and profitability can go hand-in-hand in forest management.
By linking improved genetic materials with precision management and a high-value processing industry, the project strengthens poplar’s strategic role in the economic and environmental development of rural areas.
Moreover, it sets a precedent for other forest species. The integration of remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and participatory certification models opens new possibilities for more effective, resilient, and inclusive forest management.
As Fundación Cesefor points out, BioPoptech is a tangible example of how European innovation policy (through EIP-AGRI) can translate into real transformation on the ground.