Thumbnail Image

Stronger together: How trade associations in tropical timber-producing countries multiply benefits for forest sector MSMEs

The experience of the FAO-EU FLEGT Programme

Year of publication 2021

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 20 p.

Author Pohnan, E, Cavanagh, T.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Policy brief

ISBN 978-92-5-135128-4

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) A wide body of experience within and beyond the forestry sector recognizes the power of associations in bringing together small-scale actors, especially micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). Associations offer increased economies of scale in purchasing, producing, and providing greater bargaining power. For this reason, support to forest sector associations has been at the heart of the FAO-EU FLEGT Programme’s engagement with the private sector, recognizing that achieving legality in the forest sector of tropical timber-producing countries is not possible without effective and meaningful collaboration with the private sector. Associations of companies provide critical entry points to gaining access to larger groups of enterprises. The arguments put forward in this paper draw upon the experience accrued in supporting associations of timber producers through the FAO-EU FLEGT Programme. As part of a Programme-experience capitalisation process, staff members conducted interviews with both service providers and, where possible, end beneficiaries of the projects. The Programme analyzed the impacts of these projects to determine best practices for supporting associations and the benefits they bring to MSMEs.

Last updated 17/01/2022, see Corrigendum

Cite this content as:

Pohnan, E. & Cavanagh, T. 2021. Stronger together: how trade associations multiply benefits for forest sector micro, small and medium enterprises – The experience of the FAO-EU FLEGT Programme. Rome, FAO

https://doi.org/10.4060/cb7204en

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    Colombia: Building the capacities of MSMEs to supply legal timber to the domestic market
    FAO-EU FLEGT Programme: Success story
    2021
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in Colombia’s domestic timber market but lack awareness of legal requirements and the skills to comply with them. The FAO-EU Forest LawEnforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Programme partnered with the Federación de Industriales de la Madera (FEDEMADERAS) to build the capacities of 61 MSMEs on legal, environmental and fiscal requirements and to link small timber operators to legal timber suppliers.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Enabling micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in legal timber production and trade
    Transformational changes generated by the FAO-EU FLEGT Programme
    2022
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in meeting the growing demand for forest products worldwide, with potential to contribute to responsible supply chains that combat illegal logging while promoting economic growth. However, a growing number of countries are adopting demand-side control measures that require proof of legality of forest products. Forest sector MSMEs will require significant support – and changes to the types of support they receive – to fulfil and even take advantage of these new and emerging market requirements and related opportunities. This paper draws from 110 initiatives in 20 countries supported by the FAO-EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Programme between 2016 and 2022 and seeks to provide examples of how to support forest sector MSMEs cost-effectively and at scale to integrate them into domestic and international legal timber value chains. The initiatives discussed in this paper offer a wealth of experience and knowledge, which can be capitalized upon to boost forest-dependent livelihoods and promote both social equity and sustainability within timber supply chains. Implementing a portfolio of these strategies in a comprehensive support package generate “transformational changes” that help realize the potential of MSMEs to move past traditional business-as-usual modes of operation towards sustainable growth and more inclusive, resilient economies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    Monte Plata Pineapple Producers Association
    Learning note
    2024
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This document outlines the journey of the Monte Plata Pineapple Producers Association (ASOPROPIMOPLA) in the Dominican Republic, highlighting its achievements in pineapple production and export. Initially supported by external funding from institutions like the IFAD and FEDA, ASOPROPIMOPLA has expanded its production capacity, obtained certifications for international markets, and established a packaging plant meeting Global GAP standards, allowing it to successfully enter the export market.The association’s production model, inspired by successful practices in Costa Rica and Dole, emphasizes quality and consistency through weekly planting schedules, rigorous training in agricultural best practices, and gradual mechanization. With the introduction of an ERP system, ASOPROPIMOPLA has streamlined administrative operations, enabling efficient financial and logistical oversight crucial for sustainable growth.ASOPROPIMOPLA’s governance structure now includes specialized administrative and operational units, supporting around 58 employees, mostly members. By prioritizing member welfare and sustainable practices, the association has positioned itself as a competitive player in the international pineapple market while generating economic benefits and employment opportunities for the local community.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.