Smallholders Access Program pilot test (USA)
Pilot test
April 2019
June 2022
To assess the feasibility of the Smallholder Access Program (SAP) simplified standard developed by Rainforest Alliance, as part of their Appalachian Woodland Alliance program. The SAP proposes a process for smallholders to temporarily join an FSC-certified forest management group. By joining these groups, small forest owners (>100ha) improve their forest management practices; legal compliance is guaranteed; and there is an increase of FSC-certified material availability.
At the 2017 General Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, the membership approved Motion 46 that recommended the New Approaches project to conduct several pilot tests to assess the feasibility of different approaches that can improve uptake and maintenance of certification by small forest owners and communities.
Timeline
The pilot was considered successful in terms of good forestry practices, growth in certified volume, and cost savings. The group recommended continuing with more research and testing to develop a more complete product.
- Plan Development: The core group agreed on a plan to move forward, including further research, stakeholder engagement, and developing a streamlined standard.
The Smallholder Access Program (SAP) Pilot ended.
The learnings and findings from year 2 were presented to the Policy Steering Group (PSG).
A total of 22 SAP harvest units have been successfully enrolled in the pilot test, despite challenges caused by COVID-19, weather and trade conflicts.
The FSC Board of Directors approved the extension of the pilot test by 14 months until June 2022.
The learnings and findings from year 1 were presented to Policy Steering Group (PSG), as well as some policy changes.
A total of 13 SAP harvest units have been successfully enrolled in the pilot test, despite restrictions caused by COVID-19.
FSC published factsheet on the Smallholder Access Pilot test. Read it here.
Successful round of preliminary desk audits performed in all pilot test participants
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