I wouldn't be surprised if it were possible, but nobody has successfully tried. It would require a combination of expert knowledge, the kind of long-term thinking/investment that the market currently is set up against, plus a lot of money over a long period of time to be able to afford experimenting like that in the first place.
It will probably take state-sponsored forestry research to figure this out.
Or, you know, a retiree with a penchant for forestry and gardening. All it takes is interest, just look at the community of people obsessed with grafting or other botanical pursuits.
Well, given the time frames we're talking about they might lack the remaining lifespan needed to see a project like this through to the end. Definitely an option to get such a project rolling though.
And your second point is valid too - we shouldn't underestimate the internet's ability to give niche subcommunities a chance to flourish even when people are physically far apart.
It will probably take state-sponsored forestry research to figure this out.