International Day of Forests | Forests & Food
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Each year, the International Day of Forests highlights the crucial role forests play in sustaining life on Earth. This year’s theme, "Forests and Food", underscores how forests contribute to food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.
At MTO, we recognise the deep connection between forestry and food security—not only through responsible land management but also through initiatives that empower communities. From agroforestry projects to community-driven farming, sustainable forests offer more than timber—they provide a source of nourishment, economic stability, and a brighter future for many.
The MTO Groundnut Project: Growing Food & Opportunities
One of MTO’s most impactful community projects is the Groundnut Project in Mpumalanga, where 122 women from local villages have been provided access to 37 hectares of land to plant groundnuts between young eucalyptus trees.
This initiative supports food security and economic empowerment, helping women generate income through sustainable agriculture. The project’s success has led to a partnership with a peanut butter manufacturer, creating a reliable market for the women’s harvest.
Beyond financial benefits, the Groundnut Project has transformed lives in numerous ways:
🌱 Education Support – Many women use their earnings to pay their grandchildren’s school fees and purchase uniforms.
🌱 Improved Living Conditions – Participants have invested in building materials to expand and improve their homes.
🌱 Household Sustainability – Income from the project helps fund essential household items like stoves and staple food supplies.
🌱 Health & Well-being – The physical activity involved in planting and harvesting contributes to improved fitness and well-being.
This project demonstrates how forestry and agriculture can coexist to strengthen communities and support local economies.
The Role of FSC® Certification in Sustainable Forestry
Sustainable forestry is about more than just timber production—it’s about protecting ecosystems while supporting people. We strive to meet the principles and criteria of the internationally recognised Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and our plantations and operating standards are audited annually against these standards. MTO Cape (FSC-C014996) has maintained FSC® certification for the past 23 years (one of the oldest in South Africa), and MTO North (Pty) (FSC-C109194) Ltd is now in its 7th year of certification.
🌍 FSC® certification promotes:
✔️ Sustainable land management that balances conservation and economic growth.
✔️ Protection of biodiversity through responsible harvesting practices.
✔️ Inclusion of local communities in decision-making and benefit-sharing.
✔️ Climate action by maintaining carbon stocks and reducing deforestation.
By choosing FSC® certified products, businesses and consumers directly support sustainable forestry practices that contribute to food security, environmental health, and economic development.
International Day of Forests: Food security and sustainability
As we celebrate International Day of Forests 2025, it’s clear that forests are more than just trees—they are essential to the world’s food systems, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Through continued investment in sustainable forestry, agroforestry, and community empowerment, we can ensure that forests continue to feed, nourish, and sustain future generations.
Click the button below to learn more about MTO’s Foundation for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.