ProPopulus Team
On June 13, the School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering at the University of León will host Populus 360, a leading technical event for the poplar sector. Under the theme “Innovation, Collaboration and Challenges,” the event will bring together key stakeholders from the scientific, institutional and business communities to explore the major challenges and opportunities currently facing poplar cultivation in Spain and across Europe.
The event is free to attend, with prior registration required via this form. Participants can join either in person or online via this link. The registration deadline is June 10 at 2:00 PM (CET).
A forward-looking programme for the future of poplar
Populus 360 is structured around four thematic sessions:
- Poplar cultivation without borders
An overview of standout experiences from Italy, France and Spain, along with a global perspective on the role of poplars through the lens of the FAO.
- Evolving poplar plantations: Management, biotechnology and digital tools
This session will spotlight recent advances in plant production, field trials, applied biotechnology and digital forest management. Contributors include ID Forest, Viveros CUBE, Garnica, and the University of León.
- The Present and Future of the Sector
A panel discussion will bring together representatives from AEFCON, SOMACYL, FAFCYLE, CESEFOR, MITECO, the Duero River Basin Authority and industry players to address health, regulatory and market challenges.
- Technical Field Trip
The event will conclude with a field visit, including a poplar harvesting site and an experimental plantation featuring a mycorrhizal trial with MSA clones (Maggiore Sostenibilità Ambientale), presented by researchers Sara Bergante and Laura Rosso from CREA – Research Centre for Forests and Wood (Italy). The visit will continue to the CUBE nursery, a benchmark in plant propagation and development. The activity will end with the group’s return to EIAF at 8:00 PM.
For the full programme, click here
A not-to-be-missed gathering
Garnica, Maderas Castañeiras, ASFOLE and FAFCYLE sponsor Populus 360. It is organised by the academic and scientific team of the School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering at the University of León, under the coordination of Flor Álvarez Taboada.
The closing session will include a tribute to Pedro Garnica, a visionary figure in the advancement and innovation of the poplar industry, who also was a founder and former chairman of ProPopulus.
Date: June 13, 2025 – University of León
Format: In person and online
Registration: Free until June 10, 2:00 PM CET here
Venue: School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, University of León
Av. de Portugal, 41, 24009 León
Contact: flor.alvarez@unileon.es