Introduction to the American Tree Farm System

System introduction webinar

The revised American Tree Farm System (ATFS) has been submitted to PEFC for assessment. The public consultation, which is your chance to give your feedback on this revised system, will run from 14 June to 13 August 2021.

The ATFS was revised following the entry into force of the revised 2018 PEFC Sustainable Forest Management standard.

The American Tree Farm System is run by the American Forest Foundation and is one of two forest certification systems operational in the USA. The other system is the SFI system, which is also operational in Canada. 

To provide you with additional information about this revised national system, we held a webinar on 14 June, at 15:00 CEST. Watch the recording:

The endorsement process

The ATFS was submitted to PEFC after being revised in line with PEFC requirements. The national system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this assessment to maintain its PEFC endorsement. 

An important aspect of the assessment process is the public consultation. Over the sixty-day consultation, stakeholders from around the world can give their comments and provide feedback on any aspect of the system. The Registered Assessor will use the information received from this consultation in their assessment of the system.