The Rainforest Alliance has introduced an updated version of its Sustainable Agriculture Standard, with the aim of making its certification process ‘more robust, efficient, and data-focused than ever before’.
Version 1.4 of the standard includes a simplification of the certification requirements, retaining elements that are most valuable to both farmers and companies while eliminating unnecessary complexity, the group said.
In addition, inspection and audit processes are now more targeted, reducing the time and resources required for internal inspections and third-party audits, while a greater focus has been placed on data quality, streamlining reporting and improving validation through enhanced training and digital tools.
‘Driving greater impact’
‘With version 1.4 of our Sustainable Agriculture Standard, we are leaning into the innovation that has always been at the heart of our organisation—driving greater impact for farmers, communities, and companies,’ the Rainforest Alliance said. ‘By building on what works and reducing unhelpful complexity, we are creating a certification program that is easier to implement, more effective, and forward-looking than ever before.’
A number of core aims and principles have been retained from previous standards, including the Assess-and-Address system to tackle human rights abuses, as well as child labour and forced labour risk maps.
Certification solutions
As well as upgrading its Sustainable Agriculture Standard, the Rainforest Alliance is also developing new, specialised certification solutions focusing on regenerative agriculture, climate, and livelihoods.
‘Each of these offerings will share a common foundation of ambitious base criteria, complemented by additional criteria tailored to each specialised solution,’ the Rainforest Alliance said.
‘While our original Sustainable Agriculture Standard will remain our most holistic framework, covering all three impact areas, the specialised certification solutions will build on this foundation—giving farmers and companies the opportunity to validate their distinctive sustainability practices and stand out among competitors.’
The Rainforest Alliance works with 7.5 million farmers and farmworkers and 7,600 company partners across 62 countries. Read more here.
