FairWild launches an Operator Support Fund

The FairWild Operator Support Fund (OSF) seeks to support FairWild’s mission by providing a range of financial and technical support measures to wild plant collection businesses (“operators”) who are already FairWild certified or who wish to implement the FairWild Standard.

Typically, these businesses and the collectors who supply them are vulnerable to disruptions to their livelihoods from environmental, social and other factors, usually more so than other actors in the value chain, as well as being more severely impacted by them. Eligible businesses may receive technical and financial support to increase operator resilience by conserving biodiversity and managing their natural resources sustainably through FairWild certification.

Who can apply?

OSF support may be applied to a range of interventions, including training, technical services and support, support for audit preparation and costs, purchase of equipment (e.g. driers or other equipment for partial processing), risk underwriting, conservation interventions to secure landscape integrity and ongoing productivity, or direct financial assistance in the case of disruption to livelihoods.

Only legally registered entities are eligible, and applications must be in support of a business that is currently FairWild certified, or actively pursuing FairWild certification. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, with responses usually received within 28 days. Potential applicants are welcome to contact FairWild Foundation for an informal discussion prior to submitting an application, at: secretariat@fairwild.org

For further information concerning the application process and specific requirements, please click here.