Formerly known as the Working Party on Breeding and Selection, the Working Party's mandate includes:

• Assist the IPC and its Executive Committee in all matters that relate to genetic aspects of poplars and willows;
• Promote contacts worldwide among scientists and experts working in poplar and willow genetics with a view to encouraging and facilitating the exchange of information or research programme results;
• Coordinate international research and technological development programmes in the field of genetic resources;
• Provide a forum for the discussion of matters that relate to the exploration, conservation and use of genetic resources; and
• Address recommendations to the Executive Committee on all matters that relate to genetic aspects of poplars and willows.

The activities of the Working Party include the conservation of natural genetic resources and ecosystems and genetic improvement by conventional breeding, application of molecular genetic tools and techniques, genetical transformation and creation of new cultivars for phytoremediation, waste water treatment etc.