Forest genetic resources or
tree genetic resources are genetic material of shrub and tree species of actual or future value. Forest genetic resources are essential for forest-depending communities who rely for a substantial part of their livelihoods on
timber and
non-timber forest products (for example fruits, gums and resins) for food security, domestic use and income generation. These resources are also the basis for large-scale wood production in planted forests to satisfy the worldwide need for timber and paper. Genetic resources of several important timber, fruit and other non-timber tree species are conserved
ex situ in genebanks or maintained in field collections. Nevertheless,
in situ conservation in forests and on farms is in the case of most tree species the most important measure to protect their genetic resources.