The functions of the IPC are:
(a) to study the scientific, technical, social and economic aspects of poplar and willow cultivation, and of the use of their wood;
(b) to promote the exchange of ideas and materials between research workers, producers and users;
(c) to arrange joint research programmes;
(d) to stimulate the organization of meetings combined with study tours;
(e) to report and make recommendations to the FAO Conference, through the Director-General of FAO; and
(f) to make recommendations to National Poplar Commissions, through the Director-General of FAO and the governments concerned.
The IPC is governed by a Convention that places it within the framework of FAO, and which the FAO Conference adopted at its X Session in November 1959. The most recent amendments to the Convention were adopted at the XIX Session of the FAO Conference held in November 1977.
Any FAO member nation may join the IPC when it formally accepts the Convention. The right of admission has also been extended to countries that are not members of FAO but are members of the United Nations, any of its Specialized Agencies or the International Atomic Energy Agency, if they formally accept the convention.
The IPC is summoned in regular sessions every four years (every two years prior to the most recent amendments) by the Director-General of FAO, in consultation with the Chairman of the IPC Executive Committee. But it may be convened in special sessions, if necessary. A session has normally been organised by one of the IPC member countries, after the Director-General of FAO has accepted its offer.
An Executive Committee prepares and follows up the IPC's work for the sessions and between sessions. The committee has 12 members elected in a personal capacity for a four-year term (six years prior to the latest amendments), and a maximum of five members co-opted for the same duration from among candidates presented by member countries for their special competence. The committee elects a Chairman and a Vice-chairman from its members. The committee meets during each session of the IPC and at least once between sessions; it is summoned by the Director-General of FAO, in consultation with the Chairman.
The Forestry Department of FAO provides the permanent secretariat of the IPC.
Scientific and technical problems have been investigated by five working parties - on diseases, pests, logging and utilisation of wood, breeding and improvement, and on production systems. These working parties have grouped the specialists involved in these fields of studies, and have been called for meetings by their chairmen about once every two to four years.
