Rainforest Alliance
International Certification for Sustainable Agriculture
Rainforest Alliance is a globally recognized international certification program that combats deforestation, climate change, structural poverty and social injustice. It aims to safeguard the future of both nature and farming communities by ensuring sustainability in the global agricultural supply chain.
Sustainable Agriculture
2020 SAS Standard
USB Certification carries out conformity assessment activities under the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard with Rainforest Alliance authorization (by undergoing ASI initial accreditation audit).
What is the Rainforest Alliance?
Rainforest Alliance is an international certification program that fights against deforestation, climate change, structural poverty and social injustice on a global scale. Its core mission is to build a future where nature is protected, biodiversity is supported, farmers, workers and rural communities prosper, and sustainable land use becomes the universal norm.
In line with this vision, farms, producer groups and supply chain organizations that meet all applicable requirements of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard and comply with the operational requirements of the Rainforest Alliance Code of Assurance can sell, ship and buy their products with a “Rainforest Alliance Certified” registration. To ensure the credibility and global reach of this certification program, the Rainforest Alliance partners with independent and accredited certification bodies around the world.
Rainforest Alliance Certification Scope
USB Certification conducts independent certification activities under the Rainforest Alliance 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard. You can visit www.rainforest-alliance.org to learn more about the standard requirements and global program details; you can contact our expert team directly for certification processes specific to your business.
Farm Certification
- Individual farm/plot (Single Farm) and multi-plot group (Group) certification audits
- Independent and rigorous examination of sustainable agricultural practices in the field
- Full assessment of facilities and lands according to social, environmental and economic compliance criteria
Supply Chain Certification
- Verifying the transparency and traceability of certified products throughout the supply network
- Control of processing, packaging and distribution operations for compliance with standard requirements
- Supervision of Mixture (IP), Mass Balance and Physical Segregation models
- Verification of the correct application of the “Rainforest Alliance Certified” label and brand usage rules
Impacts of Rainforest Alliance Certification
Improving Producer Livelihoods
The living standards of producers, field workers and their families are optimized; social welfare is increased and sustainable income models are promoted.
Preventing Deforestation and the Climate Crisis
Deforestation is prevented and reforestation activities are supported; biodiversity is protected and the negative impacts of climate change are mitigated.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Management
Increased efficiency and cost optimization in agricultural processes, leading to more profitable and financially resilient production models.
Increasing Climate Resilience
Climate-friendly and smart agricultural methods are integrated into the field, increasing the structural resilience of lands against drought, floods and extreme weather events.
Worker, Child and Community Rights
Workers’ rights are guaranteed, local community rights are respected, and strict and uncompromising control mechanisms are in place to ensure that forced labor and child labor are completely eliminated.
Ecosystem and Natural Resources Protection
Forests and fragile ecosystems are protected and long-term natural balance is maintained through sustainable land use and effective water resource management.
Rainforest Alliance Memberships and Collaborations
ISEAL Alliance Member
Rainforest Alliance is a full member of the ISEAL Alliance, which brings together highly credible sustainability standards; this membership ensures that the standard’s development and auditing processes comply with internationally recognized codes of good practice.
Merger with UTZ (2018)
The Rainforest Alliance merged with UTZ, a leader in coffee and cocoa certification, into a single organization in January 2018; the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, published after the merger, brings together the experience of both programs into a single framework.
Global Sustainability Collaborations
The Rainforest Alliance works in cooperation with IFOAM, the global representative of the organic agriculture movement, and other sectoral organizations to achieve international acceptance of sustainable agriculture and contributes to the formulation of sectoral policies.
Certify Sustainable Agriculture with Rainforest Alliance
Through its Rainforest Alliance certification services, USB Certification provides all businesses in the food and agriculture supply chain with high credibility in global markets, international validation and lasting consumer confidence.
