ATFS receives PEFC approval

America’s oldest and largest voluntary third-party verification scheme has achieved Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) approval.

The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) covers 24 million acres of privately-owned forestland and 90,473 family forest owners.

It said inclusion under the PEFC umbrella would help its members target key international markets that demand internationally recognised certification, as well as helping them through tougher economic climates.

ATFS was submitted for PEFC approval by parent organisation the American Forest Foundation (AFF) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

“This is fantastic news for conservation-minded family forest owners who are struggling to survive in tough economic times,” said AFF president and chief executive officer Laurence Wiseman.

“PEFC approval is the key to connecting more of the good operators to the rapidly growing market place of green manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers.”

AFF added that family forest owners are under increasing pressure from developers to sell their land, but PEFC endorsement would give them the strength to “avoid the pressures of development”.

Around 1.5 million acres of family forestland are developed per year, according to the AFF.