Forest Certification and Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners: Who Will Certify and Why?

摘要

Most consumers are vaguely familiar with the concept of an objective third party certifying products to assure a high standard, or consistency, in product quality. The certification label that is affixed to electrical appliances by the Underwriters Laboratory, thereby assuring that appliances meet or exceed standards of quality and safety, is an example (Maser and Smith 2001). The USD A Certified Organic label associated with certain fruits and vegetables at grocery stores is another, as are QualityBeef and Quality Pork Assurance Programs. Certification has evolved in a number of industrial sectors including automobiles, chemicals, footwear, apparel, and fisheries (Sasser 2001). These sectors are often certified under the International Standards Organization with the ISO-system.