What benefits do I get as a forest owner from certifying my forest?
A direct win is financial if the forest owner is paid more for the certified wood sold by the forest owner than for non-certified wood. In addition to this direct benefit, the certificate also makes the Estonian forest owner's wood more attractive: the forest owner is an equal partner to the forest industry like all other certified forest owners in Scandinavia or elsewhere in Europe. The certificate is important for the forest industry. A certified forest is an opportunity for the forest owner. As of February 2022, more than 252,000 hectares of forest land have been certified with the PEFC group certificate of the Estonian Private Forestry Association.
Why is forest certification important?
The PEFC certificate given to the forest owner confirms that the work he has done in the forest has been done with heart. The certificate shows the forest owner's concern for his own property as well as the general environment and the future. For consumers of wood and wood products worldwide, it is becoming more and more important to know that the things that surround us were not made at the expense of someone or something. After all, we all want the nature around us to last for our children as well.
How can I join group certification?
- In order to join the PEFC group certificate of the Estonian Private Forestry Association (hereafter EEML), a forest owner must submit an application to EEML with data on the forest land. Forest land data must be submitted as an excel table, and the data must contain at least: property name/number, cadastral code, area and county;
- The application together with the forest land data is reviewed by the control unit appointed by EEML, which submits a proposal to the EEML control group to merge the forest owner with the EEML PEFC group certificate;
- EEML joining the PEFC group is confirmed by the protocol of the EEML control group or the extract of the decision of the protocol, which is sent by the EEML control unit to the joined forest owner by e-mail;
- The EEML PEFC control unit notifies the forest owner of the decisions of the EEML PEFC group certificate control group within 7 (seven) working days from the decision taking effect;
- Upon joining, an agreement is concluded between the Estonian Private Forestry Association and the forest owner, which stipulates the rights and obligations of the group certificate holder (EEML) and the member (forest owner).
What costs are associated with the certificate?
For the costs related to the PEFC group certificate, see From the website of the Estonian Private Forestry Association. If certified wood costs even 0.5 EUR per cubic meter more than non-certified wood, one carload of sold wood almost completely covers the annual cost.
Who can I get more information from?
Additional information can be obtained from the Estonian Private Forestry Association, Toompuiestee 24, Tallinn.
Home page: www.erametsaliit.ee
Email: erametsaliit@erametsaliit.ee
