Nursery production in the poplar sector: statistics for Italy

Abstract

This study analyses trends in the certification and commercialization of poplar nursery material in Northern Italy from 2019 to 2024, with the aim of estimating new plantation areas and forecasting wood availability for industrial use. Poplar cultivation in the Mediterranean region relies on certified, high-quality planting material produced by specialized nurseries using clones registered in the Italian National Register of Basic Materials (RNMB) or other European registers. Data collected annually by Council for Research and Agricultural Economics (CREA) in collaboration with regional authorities and FederlegnoArredo reveal that over 97% of certified poles are from RNMB-listed clones, with a significant share now consisting of clones with greater environmental sustainability (MSA). Although the traditional 'I-214' clone continues to dominate, interest in MSA clones, particularly ‘AF8’ and ‘Tucano’, has grown steadily. Piedmont remains the leading region in certified pole production, accounting for nearly 80% of the Northern Italian total in 2024. By correlating certified nursery production with field inventory data, it is estimated that 6,000 hectares of new plantations are established annually, potentially producing 0.7 million m³ of roundwood. This predictive capability is critical for strategic planning across the poplar wood supply chain. Despite a general increase in certified material and wood prices, the sector still faces challenges such as limited foreign trade data and a persistent domestic supply deficit. Continued monitoring and nursery adaptation to market trends will be key to supporting sustainable and productive poplar cultivation in the years ahead.