SCS Awards India’s First FSC Certification for Timber Plantation to Patneshwari Co-Operative
Scientific Certification Systems has certified the Patneshwari Agricultural Co-Operative Limited under the internationally recognized Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) program, making it the first timber-producing forest in India to earn FSC certification.
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has certified the Patneshwari Agricultural Co-Operative Limited (PACL) under the internationally recognized Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) program. PACL is the first timber-producing forest in India to earn FSC certification.
The cooperative, representing 1,304 forest owners, is located in the Koreaput district of Orissa state and entails approximately 2,300 acres of forestland.
“FSC-endorsed certification of PACL’s operations sets an example for forest managers seeking to address the problem of deforestation that India has experienced due to its rapid economic growth,” said Robert J. Hrubes, Senior Vice President of SCS. “PACL’s certification is a testament to responsible practices (environmental, social and economic), and it establishes a roadmap for continuing improvement.”
The co-operative is cultivating Eucalyptus varieties on degraded farmland to meet demand from local paper mills. Members hope that certification will help them gain access to international markets that increasingly demand FSC certified wood products.
Crops like pulses, maize, ginger, turmeric and oilseeds are also cultivated on the land during rotations.
The Patneshwari cooperative is the first FSC-certified forest in India to focus primarily on wood products. It joins a rubber plantation in Tamil Nadu State as the only FSC-certified forests in India, to date.
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for more than 25 years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retailing and more. http://www.SCScertified.com
About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.
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