The SFA originated from the Proyecto Agroforestal CREA-DED-GTZ (1992-2001) and was founded on initiative of local professionals.

It was established as a model for the renting out of technical assistance services, which promote Sustainable Forest Management among local small-scale farmers.

The SFA obtained its legal recognition in October 2001 by the approval of the Ecuatorian Ministry for the Environment (Ministerio del Ambiente Ecuatoriano).