Objective:
The Fraxinus (ash) resources in United States and Canada are threatened by an invasive alien insect, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). A program has started to collect and store seed in order to ensure this germplasm is available for research to breed resistant trees and for reintroduction of ash once adequate environmental control measures for EAB are developed. While the focus of this Agreement will be on ash seed, this Agreement will also cover the secure back-up storage of other plant material as applicable and needed.

Approach:
Recognizing the importance to humanity of protecting and conserving forest tree genetic resources for present and future generations, the Parties enter into this Agreement to launch long-term cooperation for the collection and storage of ash seed. The Cooperation is intended to guarantee the security of ash genetic resources in North America for joint study and utilization.