PEFC recognition "great day" for Australia

The award of Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) mutual recognition status to The Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS) has been called a "significant day for Australian forest industries".

Speaking at Future Forests and Timber conference in Sydney last month, Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) Ltd chairman Geoff Gorrie thanked all those involved in the development and mutual recognition of the Australian Forestry Certification Scheme.

He added: "It is your certificate – it belongs to the industry. You have been investing in the process that has culminated in AFS Ltd receiving this certificate in Santiago, Chile, at the PEFC General Assembly.

"It is now time to reap the rewards of this investment by embracing certification and demonstrating to Australia's and the world's purchasers and consumers that our forest management practices and chain of custody arrangements are simply best practice."