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Sue Stolton and Nigel Dudley (2006) ‘’Edible Non Timber Forest Products

Streamlining FSC and IFOAM Certification
‘’

Report,

Document:
ntfp_third_draft_may_7.doc

Abstract
This paper looks at options for greater collaboration between IFOAM and FSC with respect to certification of edible non-timber forest products (NTFPs).

NTFPs play an important social and environmental role, often providing income for the poorest people and incentives to maintain natural forests. Many are currently exploited unsustainably, but there is a growing market for sustainably-produced NTFPs, guaranteed by certification. Currently, they are certified by both organic and forest certification bodies. The underlying principles of IFOAM and FSC have many complementarities with respect to NTFPs, but also some important differences. Notwithstanding this, joint organic and FSC inspections of NTFP management are already taking place. Joint inspections offer a range of actual or potential advantages, including the opportunity for reduced costs, more comprehensive certification, reduced consumer confusion, joint promotion and hopefully increased market access. However, they also present some challenges, such as differences in approach to pesticides and GMOs, strengths and weaknesses relating to chain of custody inspection, understanding of health and environmental issues and lack of NTFP expertise.

The report looks at the key issues which need to be taken into consideration when looking at the feasibility of a single inspection process. Five key issues are analysed, drawing on literature reviews, interviews and from on-going NTFP certification experience: [1] standards; [2] inspection processes and procedures; [3] certification processes and costs; [4] inspector training/education requirements; and [5] national and international legislation. The observations made in this section are then summarised as a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis.

Keywords: Non-Timber Forest Products certification, feasibility of single inspection process

Relevance to our study:
The report discusses the feasibility of a single inspection system within the Non-timber Forest Products market. The report identifies and discusses the importance of the market both socially and environmentally and explores how single inspection systems would operate and its benefits to producers and certification bodies.

Relevancy on a scale from 1 to 5 = 4

Review status: Finished
Review started on
Reviewed by Jane Vine?

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