The Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) is a certification that provides consumers with the assurance that the timber products they are buying comes from sustainably managed forests.
VicForests’ CEO Robert Green said that this re-certification is a great example of how VicForests is continuously improving and adapting its operations as a leader in sustainable and ethical timber production.
“We take our responsibilities very seriously and are continually looking at ways in which we can balance the need to protect environmental values while also meeting the demand for locally sourced, sustainable timber.
The AFS is internationally recognised by the world’s largest forest certification scheme, the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
There are nine criteria that must be met to receive certification including the need to protect biodiversity, maintain forest productivity and forest health, protect soil and water, maintain carbon cycles and to maintain and enhance social and economic benefits.
VicForests is audited every nine months by the accredited auditors in order to retain its certification. The most recent re-certification audit took place in December 2015.
VicForests is responsible for the sustainable harvest, regrowing and commercial sale of timber in Victoria.
