This report focuses on the implementation of the Plant Protection Act. The focus is largely on forest trees, as opposed to fruit trees, ornamental trees, or trees oriented to bioremediation. The perspective examined is multiple and includes: a description of the Act and how it is being implemented by APHIS; the reactions to the regulations by a variety of groups including tree breeders and developers; users of both the prospective unregulated products, that is, both tree germplasm and products from transgenic wood; environmentalists; and others.
The report describes the implementation and outcomes of procedures related to the authorized field tests for transgenic trees and a description of the types of tests and how they are evaluated. The report also evaluates the potential environmental benefits and concerns of transgenic trees.