One needs to find or create demand for certified products if there is to be a market premium, because right now there is little consumer knowledge about such products, according to Marc Daudon, a management consultant on environmental issues with Cascadia Consulting Group in Seattle. Daudon, who has considered ways to expand the market for certified wood products in the Pacific Northwest, went so far as to suggest that the state require contractors building public schools to use certified wood products. Daudon also said the state should consider smoothing the way for suppliers to meet demand. Right now there is confusion about different programs, a dearth of certified mills and little supply of Forest Stewardship Council certified timber for mills. The state could help, for instance, by making sure there is a large enough supply of certified timber so mills and retailers aren't burdened with a complex stream of certified and noncertified wood and wood products.
Economists generally find market incentives more efficient.
So far, however, there has been no apparent gain to certifying most products. Instead of an incentive, some environmental groups have pressured certain retailers into offering only certiifed wood and boycotting other sources. There are two early costs for landowners. First, there's the cost of being evaluated and providing documentation for certification. Some systems involve a self-analysis but many speakers said certification by a third party is more credible.