4F is a platform built by and for smallholder farmers, placing farmers and communities as key actors in forest protection and sustainable production. Through direct incentives, structured databases, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, 4F promotes deforestation-free practices and bridges local action with global commitments.
4F was launched on August 1, 2023 as an initiative by and for smallholder farmers, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples. As a foundation platform connecting smallholders directly with markets, government, and stakeholders, 4F channels forest-protection incentives, applies a simplified HCS–HCV approach, and promotes participatory forest management and monitoring to support measurable, deforestation-free sustainable agriculture and forestry.
4F supports smallholders, Indigenous Peoples, and local/indigenous communities to receive support and incentives to improve wellbeing, food security, and livelihoods, while protecting and conserving forests and the environment.
4F envisions stable and sustainable landscapes for community wellbeing and forest protection.
4F Safeguard is a standard framework to ensure all foundation activities are carried out responsibly, transparently, and inclusively, while protecting people and the environment through measurable mitigation strategies to support positive impact and long-term sustainability. The basic Safeguard Framework consists of six core principles:
This Code of Conduct serves as a behavioural guideline for all parties—internal and external—working with 4F to uphold integrity, professionalism, accountability, effectiveness, and the foundation’s sustainability.
Violations are handled through an internal grievance mechanism with protection for good-faith reporters, processed fairly, and may result in administrative sanctions, termination of engagement, or legal action in accordance with applicable provisions.
