Individual plantation projects are often very diverse due to the balancing of environmental, social and economic objectives and project locality. The general approach to the project, techniques used and partners selected are often very different and stem from the specific objectives that are fixed.

The pre-feasibility study,eventually preceded by a more rapid "scoping" study constitutes an essential decision making tool. Through leaning on ONFI's important worldwide experience and network of contacts the pre-feasibility study results (at a low cost) in the analysing of key project points, global cost and level of risk. It can also propose clients with several choices of option.

If the project is selected then a feasibility study follows, the objective of which is to outline in more detail all project activities. The study notably leads to the inventorying of technical, institutional and research and development partners necessary for the realisation of a plantation project. It also results in the clarification of eventual project risks and advanced hypothesis.

Finally, a pilot phase is implemented most often during the first year of the project. This phase enables the developer to confirm the choices made during project conception, notably the technical itineraries, the reliability of local partners and to minimize risk.