Sustainable Forestry Initiative

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® program is an international project of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), with Missouri Forest Products Association, composed of principles, objectives, and performance measures designed to broaden the practice of sustainable forestry among all forest landowners. Participants support sustainable forestry practices on the forestland they manage.

Developed by professional foresters, scientists, landowners and other stakeholders, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) program is a comprehensive system of principles, objectives and performance measures that combine the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. 

The SFI® Standard (SFIS) spells out the requirements for compliance with the program. SFI® program participants support sustainable forestry practices on the lands they manage and actively promote such practices on other forestlands. This commitment to sustainable forestry stems from the participants' convictions that forest landowners have a critical stewardship responsibility to current and future generations.

The SFI® Standard Objectives translate these principles into action by providing forest managers with a specific roadmap to expand the practice of sustainable forestry and to visibly improve performance.

SFI® Objectives

Associated with each of the Objectives are specific performance measures that gauge progress. These performance measures enable participants to provide tangible proof of adherence to the SFI® Standard and qualify results.

Click here for a detailed listing of SFI^SM Principles and Guidelines

Eligibility Requirements

Any company, organization, or agency involved in the management of forestland in the United States may be eligible to participate in the SFI® program. This includes the following:

Companies and/or landowners that have resigned from AF&PA are not eligible to apply to participate as a licensee in the SFI® program for a period of five years from the effective date of resignation.

All applications must be signed by an authorized representative of the company, organization, agency of landowner. The signature by the authorized representative commits the company, organization, agency, or landowner to abide by the requirements of the SFI® Program, including, but not limited to, annual reporting-requirements, participation: in state-level activities; and payment of an annual license fee.

All applications must be signed by a forester or professional resource manager of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), or a graduate of an SAF accredited institution with a degree in forestry or a related science. The signature confirms that the applicant understands and will fully implement the SFI® program and is committed to expanding the practice of sustainable forest management.

Application Procedures

To apply, download application, sign the form and return it to MFPA at the address below along with information on your company or property including: brief organization history, products produced, and geographic area of operation(s). 

MFPA will notify the applicant in writing whether or not their application is approved. If approved, the applicant will receive a licensing agreement, an invoice for the first annual licensing fee, and other program information. All applicants must sign the licensing agreement which formally commits the applicant to compliance with guidelines for the use of the SFI® program service-marks.

SFI® Rates -- Estimated Annual Rates

(Dues will be invoiced to participants)