Guiding Future Action for Small Forest Holdings Across Europe. Conference Conclusions

More than 200 attendees, representing over 40 different Forest Owner Organizations across Europe and many other stakeholders from forest-based value chains, gathered at FAO headquarters in Rome from 20 to 22 May 2025 to discuss the main issues affecting European small forest holdings, including their challenges and opportunities. The conference served as a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by small forest holdings. It fostered meaningful discussions among a wide range of European forest stakeholders regarding the role of small forest owners in delivering the products and ecosystem services expected from Europe’s forests -both for present needs and for future generations- while promoting profitability to ensure the long-term sustainability of small forest holdings. 

The conference was organised by the Cesefor Foundation and the University of Florence on behalf of the SMURF consortium, co-organized by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Forest Institute (EFI).

Full conference documentation and recording available at: https://www.smurfproject.eu/conference-sfh/