When we lifted seedlings from our nurseries earlier this year, we realized we had quietly crossed a massive milestone—ArborGen’s 1 billionth MCP® seedling.
This isn’t just a number. It’s the result of decades of scientific innovation, dedicated teamwork, and the trust of landowners and forest managers who have planted our seedlings across the country—and around the globe.
What is an MCP® Seedling?
MCP® stands for Mass Control Pollinated, a proprietary ArborGen technology that represents the gold standard in seedling genetics. These pine seedlings are the product of carefully selected, high-performing parent trees, bred to produce superior offspring with optimized traits—such as faster growth, straighter stems, improved disease resistance, and higher yield potential.
Unlike traditional open-pollinated seedlings, MCP® seedlings are created through controlled breeding processes, resulting in greater uniformity, consistency, and predictability in the field. They’re especially valued by landowners and foresters looking to maximize returns and long-term timber value.
A Billion Strong: What That Really Means
So what does planting a billion seedlings look like?
It means:
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Over 3 million acres of forests potentially planted with high-quality genetic material
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Billions of board feet of future timber
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Tens of millions of metric tons of carbon sequestered over time
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Thousands of landowners and forestry professionals empowered to make the most of their investment
And most importantly—it means healthier, more productive forests for the future.
Rooted in Genetics, Grown with Purpose
ArborGen’s MCP® technology is the result of years of applied research in forest genetics and tree improvement, building on our legacy of innovation. We are proud to be the only seedling producer offering MCP® genetics at scale, and even more proud of the impact our seedlings have had on the landscape and the lives of our customers.
Our journey to 1 billion MCP® seedlings wouldn’t be possible without:
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Our team of researchers and nursery professionals
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Our customers, who trust us year after year
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And our partners and foresters, who help carry these seedlings from nursery to planting site
Looking Ahead
While we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re not slowing down. As the forest industry continues to evolve, ArborGen remains committed to advancing seedling performance through science and sustainability.
Whether you’re reforesting after a harvest, improving marginal land, or managing timber for future generations—our MCP® seedlings are grown to help you succeed.
One billion seedlings down. The next billion begins today.