FSC for 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.

Programs for smallholders

FSC Small and Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMF)
FSC Group Certification for smallholders

Current projects

FSC-Fairtrade dual certification pilot project
GEF - Improved certification systems for sustainable tropical forest management

Guidance documents

Reference guides for technical challenges (English)
Guías de referencia para problemas técnicos (en español)
Guides de référence pour les défis techniques (en français)
Reference guides for technical challenges (Nepali)
Referência guia (em português)
Referentie gidst (in Nederlands)