The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve ecosystems by protecting healthy soils, rivers and wildlife and by promoting dignified living conditions for farm workers and neighboring rural communities. The mission of their sustainable agriculture program is to integrate productive agriculture, biodiversity conservation and human development. Farmers, companies, cooperatives and landowners who participate in their programs meet comprehensive, rigorous social and environmental standards. The Rainforest Alliance provides farmers with incentives to meet their standards, and encourages companies and consumers to support the farms making improvements toward sustainability.
| Sub-Category |
Private Sector
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| Standard for |
Bananas, citrus, cocoa, coffee, flowers, and ferns
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| Focus |
Agriculture that is environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable.
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| Structure |
The standard addresses ten key areas with specific criteria and indicators for several commodidities. The ten areas include :Social and environmental management system; Ecosystem conservation; Wildlife protection; Conservation of water resources; Fair conditions and good treatment for workers; Occupational health and safety; Good community relations; Integrated crop management; Soil conservation and management; and Integrated waste management. Rainforest Alliance Certified eco-label is awarded to farms, not to companies or products.
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| Conformity Requirements |
Farms in the program are fully inspected by Rainforest Alliance auditors at least once a year to criteria based upon commodity specific benchmarks and indicators for the ten categories listed above. Farms must demonstrate continued progress in order to maintain their certified status.
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| Auditing System |
Third-party auditing according to the standard’s criteria.
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| Geographic Focus |
Certified commodities are sold globally. Bananas, citrus, cocoa, coffee, flowers and foliage, and pinaapple are certified in Latin America. Coffee and cocoa are certified in Africa.
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| Website |
http://www.ra.org/programs/agriculture/index.html
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