FSC and smallholders

Smallholders is the term used to describe those who own, manage or use forests which are considered “small” in relation to others in their region, and those who apply low intensity harvesting practices to timber and/or non-timber forest products.

In different parts of the world, smallholders are known by different names – woodlot owners, family forests, small non-industrial private forests, small forest enterprises, community forestry operations, and non-timber forest product (NTFP) harvesters are some examples. Collectively they face cost and procedural barriers to certification.

Access to FSC certification and its benefits can be more challenging for small forest holders than for larger enterprises. FSC has a number of systems in place for smallholders seeking to demonstrate their long-term and careful management practices. We are also making concerted efforts to identify and develop additional mechanisms for smallholders and set this as a high priority.

Modifications to FSC policy to accommodate SLIMFs include:

Streamlined certification procedures: A series of modifications to the way certification bodies carry out initial certification assessments and annual monitoring for SLIMF operations

An eligibility criteria system: This enables certification bodies to efficiently identify operations which are eligible for the modified certification procedures

Guidance for FSC forest stewardship standards development: This guidance supports the development of forest certification standards that take better account of the realities of small and low intensity forest use and management.