As 2016 comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters who have contributed to the growth and success of FSC in the Australian and New Zealand context, and further, congratulate everyone on their achievements in 2016.
This year we have come to the end of a chapter in our strategic plan, moving from our 2015-2016 short term outcome 'to make FSC publicly visible and known' and into the 2016-18 medium term phase "to make FSC valued and respected by stakeholders".
Under the guiding focus of visible and known, the organisation has seen significant growth, including increases in consumer awareness and visibility. Market research identified that 70% of retailers now have KPI's on sourcing FSC certified material. Promotion of FSC products is further evident in the key partnerships with our Retail Supporters (see Growth & Insights below).
The 2016 stakeholder surveys showed great results from both Australian and New Zealand certificate holders showing overall satisfaction across the supply chain in both regions. Further, feedback from the surveys provided valuable stakeholder insights, requesting 'more marketing'. We have listened, and this will be part of our 2017 focus.
Membership continues to be stable, diverse and broad in coverage. Our membership survey came back with fantastic results showing high levels of satisfaction across all chambers. Such insights have provided the organisation with a better understanding of the needs of the membership, and areas for growth.
2016 saw a strong push in FSC advocacy through events, see our re-cap below. It was great to be hosted for presentations to the Corporate Environmental Managers Group in Victoria, for numerous lectures and at Melbourne, Monash, and Latrobe University on FSC and private governance systems. Company Secretary, Dans Goldsworthy and I had the opportunity to present at the Victorian University Governance Conference.
In September I attended Sustainable Brands, an industry leaders event, and was amazed by the interest and collaboration between eco-labels. FSC attended and spoke as part of a session on certification and assurance. It is through such opportunities and strategic partnerships that FSC continues to scale, spreading FSC's message, brand and value across the supply chain.
The FSC National Standard Development in Australia has been steady with the release of Draft 4 in October 2016. While the process saw delays, the continuing efforts of the Standards Development Group have pushed the process towards the finish line, with the SDG having progressed the Standard to the point of anticipated submission to FSC International in early 2017 for review.
We are now looking forward to working with more partners in 2017 on;
- Increasing supply,
- Promoting FSC to high profile retailers & specifiers,
- Advocating FSC in key policy and purchasing discussions,
- Increasing brand and product owners certification,
- Seeing high-quality audit outcomes.
- Educating stakeholders on the FSC brand,
- Developing Forest management case studies,
- Supporting the growth of FSC membership,
Thank you to all our supporters who made 2016 such a success. It is with your support, input and participation that we continue to strive towards our vision, "FSC is the trusted brand for 'Healthy forests supporting healthy communities'.
Cheers,
Adam Beaumont
CEO
On behalf of all at FSC Australia & New Zealand