The Campaign to Stop GE Trees
Genetically engineered trees pose risks of contaminating forests, damaging ecosystems and harming communities
The Story of Wild American Chestnuts Making a Comeback in Maine
Our short film documents the thousands of thriving, wild American chestnuts on the land of renowned biologist Dr. Bernd Heinrich—contradicting decades of assumptions about the species’ decline.
Sign on to stop the GE American Chestnut
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened a new 45-day (June 6, 2025 – July 21, 2025) public comment period on a highly controversial proposal to deregulate a genetically engineered (GE) American chestnut tree—a GE tree that is now known to suffer from severe genetic defects, mislabeled data, and performance limitations in field tests.
Support demands of communities in Brazil threatened by GE tree plantations
Sign on to support the demands of communities in Brazil impacted by tree plantations and threatened by the development of toxic genetically engineered tree plantations.
The goal of the campaign:
To protect native forests and to defend the rights of forest dependent communities and Indigenous Peoples from the unknown and irreversible risks of releasing genetically engineered (GE) trees.
Why are trees being genetically engineered?
Genetic engineering makes changes directly to the genetic material of an organism, without mating, by introducing genetic material or material that induces change to that genetic material. This invasive process causes mutations and other impacts.
Trees such as eucalyptus, American chestnut, poplar and pine are being genetically engineered for traits including faster growth, insect and disease resistance, and altered wood composition. If released, these GE trees risk contaminating native forests, damaging ecosystems and harming communities.
Why should genetically engineered trees be prohibited?
Trees have a very long life-cycle. They can live for decades or centuries. This means the risks GE trees pose to forests and communities are impossible to assess over the lifespan of the tree. Because these risks are both profound and unknowable, GE trees must be prohibited.
Where can I find out more?
The campaign to STOP GE Trees has put together reports, newsletter, factsheets, and bulletins about genetically engineered trees. They can be found on the publications section of our website. Many are offered in multiple languages.
What can I do?
Are you looking to take action? Current calls to actions include sending a letter to stop GE Trees, signing on against industral tree plantations, and signing on in support of Indigenous and local communities devastated by the social and ecological impacts of industrial tree plantations, and threatened by the planned future use of GE tree plantations.
We also have a list of partner organizations if you wanted to get involved in your local community.
Latest News:
Global forests at risk from GE Trees: Your Support today is Critical
In just a few weeks, all eyes will be on Panama City, where two critical meetings will decide the future of forests worldwide:
→ The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (SB8J-1) — focused on Indigenous rights and biodiversity
→ The Forest Stewardship Council’s General Assembly — where members will vote on whether to uphold or dismantle the global ban on genetically engineered (GE) trees.
The outcomes will shape forest policy and Indigenous land rights for decades to come. And with COP30 looming in November in Brazil, these meetings are our one chance to set the stage for strong global resistance to GE trees.
KPFA Evening News Interview on Opposition to GMO Chestnut trees (Berkeley, CA 16 August 2025)
Press Release: 170,000+ Demand USDA Reject Proposal for Release of Genetically Engineered American Chestnut Into Wild Forests
WHAT ARE GE TREES?
Trees are being genetically engineered for traits such as faster growth, and disease resistance.
TAKE ACTION
It’s time to mobilize! You can help end the threat of genetically engineered trees.
GE TREES RESOURCES
Arm yourself with information about GE Trees (also called GM Trees)