What is Group Certification ?
Group Certification is the process that allows multiple smaller forest owners collectively obtain certification for their Forestry management practices under a single certificate. The main idea behind Group Certification is to Streamline the certification process and reduce the financial burden for smaller forest owners who will find it challenging and costly to undergo individual certification.
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There are currently two active group certification schemes in Ireland.
North East Forestry Group - - https://www.northeastforestrygroup.ie/
Forestry Services Limited - https://forestryservices.ie/
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Group certification typically involves the following key elements:
Formation of a Group: Forest owners or managers interested in group certification come together and form a group entity. They establish rules and procedures for their collective forest management activities.
​Group Management Plan: The group creates a management plan that outlines their sustainable forest management practices, including environmental and social criteria specified by the relevant certification standard (e.g., FSC or PEFC).
Third-Party Assessment: An independent third-party such as the Soil Association assess the group's management plan and processes. They conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with certification standards. The assessment includes on-site inspections and document reviews.
Certification Decision: If the group demonstrates compliance with the relevant certification standards, they are awarded a group certificate. This certificate attests that the group, as a whole, is engaged in sustainable forest management practices.
Monitoring and Compliance: Group members continue to work collectively to maintain compliance with the certification standard, and audits are conducted at regular intervals to ensure ongoing adherence.
Benefits of Group Certification
Cost-Effective: Group certification allows smaller forest owners or managers, often with limited resources, to share the costs associated with certification. This reduces the financial burden of certification, making it more accessible to a broader range of stakeholders.
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Knowledge Sharing: Group members can benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of others within the group. They can learn from each other's best practices, share information, and improve their forest management techniques.
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Market Access: Many international markets and consumers prefer certified wood and forest products, as they are associated with sustainable and responsible forest management. Group certification enables forest owners to access these markets, potentially leading to increased sales and higher prices for their products.
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Increased Bargaining Power: By operating as a group, members may have increased bargaining power when negotiating with suppliers, processors, or buyers. This can lead to more favorable terms and prices for their products
Group Structure
Group Manager/ Co-ordinator: An organisation or individual responsible for managing the group certification process, ensuring all requirements of the scheme are met. Group manger responsible for facilitating communication and organising audits.
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Certification Body: Independent third party organisation accredited by the scheme that conducts the certification process. Currently the Soil Association are the appointed auditors by both FSC & PEFC. The certification body perform audits and assessments to ensure that the group meets relevant standards. They issue the group certificate if the requirements are met.
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Group Members: Individual forest owners, forest management organisations or community forestry incentives that come together to seek group certification they must meet the eligibility criteria set by the group certification scheme.
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Group Standard: Each certification scheme has its own set of standards or requirements that must be met for certification. Group members are required to adhere to these standards, which cover sustainable forest management practices, social aspects and environmental criteria.
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Group Certification Agreement: Formal agreement that outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the group manager, group members, and certification body. It includes details about compliance with the group standard and the certification process.
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Group Audits: Regular audits are conducted by the certification body to assess the groups compliance with the certification standard. These audits include on-site visits, document reviews , and interviews with group members.
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Annual Work Plan: Plan that outlines the activities and tasks to be completed by group members in the coming year to maintain or improve compliance with the certification standard. It may include forest management activities, monitoring and reporting requirements.
