Trees can be grown in one of three places, either in natural forests, plantations or on farms. Unsustainable harvesting from natural forests, concerns of large-scale monoculture plantations and decreasing farm sizes have led to increased interest in small-holder timber production throughout the world. Whilst climate, markets and grower profiles differ between tropical and temperate regions several features are common. Outgrower schemes with contracts between small-scale producers and large saw-mills are being promoted in several tropical regions countries, yet these under-recognise independent small-scale producers.  In several countries this group of independents is the largest supplier of timber products for both national consumption and export.

 There is a need to develop a clear understanding of the role of small-holder timber production and how it integrates with national and international timber supplies from natural forests and large-scale plantations. This is both from the perspective of the existing estate as well as future plantings. This information will benefit national forestry plans, poverty reduction strategy processes and international timber demand/supply projections, as well as identify how forestry can better contribute to the UN Millennium Development Goals.